"It felt good!" 22-year-old up-and-coming golfer wins Wisconsin State AM in Mequon

MEQUON (WITI) -- Golf is an individual sport, but for one local champion, the love and support of family just might have been the difference in the biggest win of a budding career.

"A little caddy guy, he goes 'this is your day, you know?" He goes, 'I'm rooting for you,' so it was a good start," Alex Gaugert said.

Was it ever!

Lake Geneva's Gaugert came from four strokes down to win the 113th Wisconsin Amateur Golf Championship at Ozaukee Country Club in Mequon on Thursday, July 24th. His two under par round included birdies on four of the first five holes.

The 22-year-old, who helped the University of Minnesota win the Big Ten Championship plans to turn professional at the Wisconsin State Open next month. Winning the state's most prestigious amateur event can only help him swing into action.

"Part of the reason I stayed amateur was to try to win a little bit and learn to win, because it's tough to win sometimes. Golf's a cruel game, so it felt good," Gaugert said.

It felt great for Gaugert to have his sister Annie as his caddy. She plays on the golf team at Valparaiso University. The sport is a common bond, but their relationship goes beyond the longest tee shot.

"My brother's my best friend. It's so cool to see him accomplish great things. He supports me in every single thing that I do, and I think it's equal for him back. I support him in everything that he does. I support him on the golf course and in his studies. He's going to South Africa in a couple months and I support him a hundred percent of the way," Annie Gaugert said.

Alex Gaugert, who hopes to qualify for the "Sunshine Tour" in South Africa, doesn't flaunt his gift for golf. Annie says he's well above par when it comes to who he is as a person.

"You won't find another Alex Gaugert. I can tell you that. He has such a funny side, but he also has such a loving side that will always stick with me in my heart and will always support me in everything that I do," Annie Gaugert said.

You don't have to be with Alex long to figure out that faith and family come first.

"Kind of an underlying message. Family's good, and there's a bigger thing than just a golf tournament. It's spending time with your sister, having your dad and whatnot here. It was awesome having her on the bag. She keeps the moment light and easy-going," Alex Gaugert said.

Jim Gaugert is a PGA professional who's had a distinguished playing career in his own right. Talk about a proud papa.

"It was pretty neat. It's stuff you dream about. You know, you think it could happen because he's a nice player, but you never know for sure, and when it actually does, you kind of got to pinch yourself. It means a lot," Jim Gaugert said.

Alex Gaugert hit all the shots, but he'd be the first to say that winning the Wisconsin State AM was a family affair.

Alex Gaugert's brother Austin has turned pro. His cousin Zach finished in a tie for fifth at the State AM.

Alex's mom says she couldn't be with her son because she was helping a friend -- but she was lighting up her husband's phone for updates.