Lakeville North golfer has short game working

Lakeville North's Josh Bruder has no one to worry about this golf season. Well, that is if you're looking at history and he stays on his game. Bruder finished last year's Class 2A tournament at Bunker Hills as a junior tied for third with a 145 over two days. The only two ahead of him were champion Ryan Peterson of Eagan (140) and runner-up Donald Constable of Minnetonka (143) -- both seniors. As he prepared for this season, Bruder talked with the Star Tribune's Brian Stensaas.

Q How do you keep up with golf in the offseason with the snow and cold here in Minnesota?

A Usually I'll go hit golf balls at a golf dome. And I take a vacation or two someplace warm, usually five or seven days. South Carolina is my favorite; Hilton Head Island. I think there's about 30 or 40 courses there.

Q When you are here in the winter, is it the same as hitting outdoors?

A Not really. You're hitting off of turf, and it doesn't have the same give as grass does.

Q How do you work on your short game?

A It's kind of hard. You can find a smooth surface to putt on over the winter. And I'll hit some chip shots in the dome. But working on your short game is definitely tougher than working on your long game.

Q How has your game evolved over the past few years?

A I've been working pretty hard mainly on my short game. I'm pretty happy how that has come along.

Q Was there anything that was particularly on for you at the end of last season that helped you do so well?

A Probably my putting. I've always putt well at Bunker Hills for some reason. I can really read the greens. They kind of fit my eye there.

Q What's the longest putt you've ever made?

A probably about 70 feet.

Q Golf moved to three classes for sections and state this year. What are your thoughts on that?

A It might affect things a little. But the best teams are still going to be there at the end. So it doesn't matter too much, I don't think.

Q As a team, how do you think things will go this season?

A We've got some pretty experienced golfers. I've played with quite a few of them in tournaments and stuff last summer. I feel we're pretty prepared for this year. As a whole, we've really been working a lot on our wedge work. That's our focus this year.

Q How about your competition?

A The Lake Conference is always tough. With Eden Prairie and Chaska -- those are some good teams. And I think Chaska especially will again have a great team this year. Edina will also have a tough team this year.

Q Last question: You've entered an 18-hole tournament at a regulation course, but besides your putter, you're only allowed three other clubs. Which do you choose and why?

A 3-wood, 6-iron and 8-iron. The 3-wood gives me more consistency and I can hit it off the fairway much better than my driver, too. With the 8-iron, I can use it for any shorter shots on approach. And the 6-iron for any kind of midrange shot.