Waukesha Times

On October 15, Brookfield East Junior Payton Haugen achieved a significant milestone by securing second place in the WIAA Girls Golf Championships for the second consecutive year. Haugen concluded the event with an impressive score of six under par (-6), tying for first and initiating a playoff hole against a golfer from Beaver Dam/Wayland Academy. This achievement places her among only three student-athletes in WIAA history to achieve a record 138 strokes over 36 holes.

Haugen's performance included shooting a 68 on the first day, trailing by three strokes behind the leader. She demonstrated resilience on the second day with a score of 70, leading to a playoff against McKenna Nelson. "Payton’s drive and enthusiasm for the game sets her apart in every way," expressed Coach Mike Serath. "Seeing her determination translate into such a historic performance this year has been a thrill. Payton has proven that she is one of the best golfers in the state and has helped elevate girls golf at Brookfield East to a new level."

Haugen was accompanied by teammates Macy Clegg, Emma Holzmacher, Shivani Sharma, and Elizabeth Zuniga-Meyer, contributing to their team’s overall fifth-place finish.

Photo courtesy of Tork Mason, USA Today NETWORK-Wisconsin