Steve Ziegler wants to take golf as far as he can, a dream that includes playing on television during weekends.
However, the senior at Legacy in Broomfield knows a first-rate education will come in more than handy.
It’s why the defending Class 5A medalist committed to Stanford, a university he is convinced will give him the best of both worlds.
“Stanford excites me because the resources that are there are just unreal,” Ziegler said. “There’s a great golf program; it’s awesome. The facilities there are unbelievable, and I can set myself up for my future.
“While my aspirations are to be a pro (golfer), it’s so highly competitive that I’ll need something else.”
Ziegler, who won the 2005 5A title by seven strokes at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club with a two-day total of 4-under par – including a first-day 68 – carries a 4.2 grade-point average. Undecided on a major, he said it may involve either business or mathematics, and combining golf with accelerated studies and the diversity the Cardinal offers should shape the rest of his life.
“I can play (with the best players nationally), but I realize what needs to take place,” Ziegler said. “It’s knowing the right people, playing well at the right time … that’s what Stanford will help me do.
“I just fell in love with the whole environment. They’re so intelligent, but so humble. I can do what I want to do.”
In addition to starring in Colorado, Ziegler won the University of New Mexico Junior Classic. He finished first in the U.S. Junior Amateur sectional qualifying and U.S. Amateur sectional qualifying, and was second in the Sun Devil Junior Classic in Arizona.
