Altoona's Skinner continues to progress with runner-up state finish
· Yahoo Sports
Altoona junior Elliot Skinner continues to elevate and develop his golf game. And the proof is in the results.
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He grabbed a share of the lead after the first round before finishing second overall at the boys state golf championships Tuesday at University Ridge in Madison.
Skinner carded a 71 on Monday and was tied for the Division 2 lead with defending champion Vince Sigl of Seymour after the opening day.
Skinner shot a 72 on Tuesday to earn runner-up honors. He moved up four spots after placing sixth at state last year as a sophomore.
“It was a good tournament for me. I played solid,” Skinner said. “I was pretty happy with how I struck the ball and I felt like I made good decisions.”
Skinner finished four shots behind Sigl, a senior who shot a 68 Tuesday to earn his second consecutive state title.
Skinner said he has made noticeable gains since the 2025 state meet.
“I am happy with how my game has improved from last year,” he said. “I am hitting the ball 20 to 30 yards farther. I lifted three days a week over the winter and I have been getting stronger.
“I also have improved with my irons. I am hitting them more consistently.”
Skinner also has benefited from the influence of his father, Darrin, who is the director of men’s and women’s golf at UW-Eau Claire.
“My dad’s done a lot for me,” Elliot Skinner said. “He helps me a lot with swing work and putting and the mental game. He’s super valuable. He got me into golf and he’s been really helpful.”
Skinner is already drawing the interest of college coaches. Playing for his father at UW-Eau Claire also is a possibility.
The 5-foot-7 Skinner said he has developed a passion and love for the game of golf.
“It is a really fun way to compete,” he said. “It is a challenging sport and it is rewarding to see the hard work pay off.
“And there is always room to improve. When you finish a round, you always have something to work on.”
For now, Skinner has a busy summer schedule of golf tournaments ahead.
And he will have one more opportunity to pursue his goal of winning a state title as a senior.
He hopes he can take some familiar faces with him to Madison next year.
“I would like to make it to state as a team,” he said. “We were close this year. It would be great to be able to do that.”