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Crystal Lake Central junior Eric Klutke's postseason run was nearly perfect, winning individual titles at Fox Valley Conference and Class 3A Mundelein Regional tournaments and finishing runner-up at the Rockford Auburn Sectional.
Klutke, who tied for ninth at state as a sophomore, would have made a return trip to state if not for the COVID-19 pandemic canceling the season-ending tournament.
Klutke recorded 4-under-par 68s at conference and regional, leading the Tigers to team titles, while he shot 72 at sectional and lost the individual title in a playoff. The sweet-swinging lefty still has one more year to add onto his already standout high school golf career next season.
For his accomplishments, Klutke was selected the Northwest Herald Boys Golfer of the Year by the sports staff with input from area coaches. Klutke is the first golfer from Crystal Lake Central to win the award since Joe Affrunti won it three straight years from 1996 to 1998.
Klutke recently spoke with sports writer Alex Kantecki about his favorite memories from junior year, playing in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, his favorite local courses and more.
Do you have any rituals or superstitions?
Klutke: Not really. I just like to do the same routine, the same warmup. I usually chip first, then I go to the driving range and then I putt.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Klutke: I like Arnold Palmer a lot, but he passed away, so I'll say Tiger Woods. He's always determined and always wants to win.
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
Klutke: I'm afraid of heights. I (went) to this cliff type of thing and didn't like going be the edge.
Which teammate makes you laugh the most?
Klutke: (Junior) Bayden Hubacher. He just says some stuff that is out of nowhere.
Do you have any nicknames?
Klutke: "EK."
You just won a million dollars. What is the first thing you would buy?
Klutke: I'd buy a Porsche. I like the 911s.
What is a sport you are bad at?
Klutke: Bowling and tennis.
What is the coolest place you’ve ever been?
Klutke: Augusta (National Golf Club). I went there for the Drive, Chip and Putt (competition) when I was in sixth grade. The PGA runs it. There's a first level, second level and final level. I moved all the way through that, so that was cool.
How did you get your start in golf?
Klutke: My dad and my grandpa. They belong to Bull Valley (Golf Club). I would go out there with them when I was 3.
What is your favorite course to play?
Klutke: Around here I like Bull Valley, Foxford (Hills) and Blackstone.
What are three of your favorite movies?
Klutke: "Bad Boys," "Uncle Buck," and "Jumanji."
What would be your perfect meal?
Klutke: I like filet mignon with mashed potatoes and a salad.
What would be your walk-up song if you played baseball?
Klutke: "Take Me Home Tonight," by Eddie Money. We played that a lot for golf.
What sports moment was so huge that you’ll always remember where you were when it happened?
Klutke: When I took third in the world for the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina, when I was 8. My parents were there, and I was able to go on stage in front of 2,000 people. I think the kid that won it that year was from Canada and second was from the Philippines. I actually have a hat in my room that has a ton of pins from countries all over the world. I met a lot of people from all over the world.
What would be your dream job?
Klutke: Professional golfer. I also want to get into stocks and stuff.
If you could change one thing about golf, what would it be?
Klutke: Where I live, because the weather here in the winter sort of is a pain.
What is one of your biggest pet peeves?
Klutke: I don't like having a dirty car. I keep my car clean. And my room.
Who has had the biggest impact on you as an athlete?
Klutke: My dad (Eric) and my coach Jim Buenzli (of Golf Academy at Terra Cotta).
Who is your favorite professional sports team?
Klutke: Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bears.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?
Klutke: Food, water and a boat to get back.
Do you have a most memorable shot or round?
Klutke: At Fox Bend for the U.S. Junior Amateur (qualifier), I shot a 70 when I was 13. I got into a playoff to go to the U.S. Junior (Amateur), but lost in the playoff. I holed out from 120 yards for eagle.
What was your favorite class in high school?
Klutke: My marketing class. I liked the teacher and it was fun.
What will you remember most about your junior season?
Klutke: Our team did better than I thought we would this year. We won at regionals. That was really cool. Winning conference was pretty cool, too. We almost won sectionals but it happens.