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05/21/2014 12:00 AMHe's now a team captain this year, but Maxx Bugg is still the same consistent and successful links man for Morgan.
The two-time All-State and First Team All-Shoreline senior has assumed the important leadership role this spring for the Huskies. While he's been an instrumental leader off the course, the fourth-generation Clinton Country Club member has been swinging strong for the defending Division IV state champions, as he's helped them get out to a 13-1 start.
"Most of it is confidence in my ability to do well, plus my short game, too," says Maxx. "I know how most of the greens are and just also knowing the area. I also have the confidence and support of my family. I have the confidence in that once I do something, it's there and done."
That strong personal morale has certainly been boosted by the conference and state team recognitions and Maxx is honored by them. Still, for him it's all about hitting his full potential for Morgan.
"They all mean a lot; golf is a lot about both the individual and the team, so it's a bonus to be recognized individually," Maxx says. "It's just a nice bonus to be seen as one of the better players in the conference because I strive to be the best I can be."
It was a rookie-year matchup against Portland when Maxx not only realized he could make an impact on his squad, but also hold the intangibles away from the fairways that are required to shoot down his scores.
"My freshman year, I knew I could play well, but I was struggling in the beginning of that year," says Maxx. "But versus Portland that year, I was playing well, shot par, and from there I knew I could step up and do it. I saw I was able to persevere and that I belonged on this team."
He says that an accurate drive off the tee is key to prominence in the sport, and Maxx adds that each round and season is an endurance test, so one just has to buckle down and push through.
"The ability to hit the ball far and straight is big, but you also have to just be able to go out and constantly practice," Maxx says. "Mentally, though, it's just grinding through the scores and concentrating on getting the ball in the hole, because you don't know if one stroke will make the difference in the match. As a captain this year, I just want to play well but stay positive."
Head Coach Eric Bergman praises that Maxx has all the right qualities that any coach could wish for in a captain.
"Maxx is a young man of great character, both on and off the course; he is also an excellent student," says Bergman.
For Maxx, leadership is defined by just enjoying the courses and lifting teammates' spirits daily. He additionally takes advantage of any opportunity he has either verbally or physically to improve their skills.
"I just look like I'm having fun all the time, because you could start off with a triple bogey, but then come back with three to four birdies. I'm also just friendly with everyone and pick people up when they are down out there," Maxx says. "At practice, I try to help my teammates, as I remember being a freshman as well trying to figure things out. I work with them on chipping and putting, plus I give them my two cents to help them get a clear sense of things."
Forecasting Morgan's chances at a state-title repeat, Maxx reports that it all comes down to if the Huskies perform at their peak during just the right moment.
"If we play well that day, then we will have a good shot," says Maxx, who thanks grandparents, Jerry and Dottie, along with parents, Steven and Lisa, teachers at Morgan, and people at the Clinton Country Club. "Hopefully we will peak at the right time; it just depends on how well you play then."
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