Athlete Spotlight: Quinn Shillingstad

BISMARCK — Quinn Shillingstad found himself seven over par thru eight holes of play two years ago at the Dickinson Invite at Heart River Golf Course. By all accounts it appeared this would be just one of those days all golfers encounter from time to time. Tee shots a little off target. Approach shots not hitting the green. And putts not finding the cup. However, the Bismarck St. Mary’s sophomore wasn’t thinking of writing off this round of golf. 
“It’s never fun to have a bad start,’’ Shillingstad said. “I remember that day vividly. I remember telling myself there’s a lot of golf left and anything can happen.”
He was right. 
A birdie came on the next hole. And then another and soon the high standard of play Shillingstad sets forth returned. Six-under par over the last 10 holes enabled him to finish tied for the low score through 18 holes of 73.
Although he lost the playoff for medalist, more was gained that day than any trophy could give.
Quinn learned the value of resilience and trusting that a string of good shots can return just as quickly in a golf tournament as a missed fairway or two.
The two-time all-state performer has had many fine shots over the five years of varsity play. Quinn has won his fair share of tournaments and has established himself as one of the top high school golfers in the state.
“Even keelness is a great way to describe him,’’ says Bismarck St. Mary’s coach Alex Mabin. “He does a good job of never getting too high or too low.”
The ability to adjust mid-round to course conditions and how a golfer is striking the ball is a skill set that few teenagers can master.
Mabin says Quinn has that attribute. 
“I think the biggest thing is that he has all the shots,’’ he said. “A lot of good players can hit their go-to shot off the tee or into the green, but Quinn knows how to club up and hit a low one into the wind, or hit a high cut when he has a bit too much club and needs it to land soft.”
That was also on display a year ago, ironically, on that same Dickinson course. Windy  conditions gave many golfers fits. Quinn adjusted, knowing when he needed to club-up and hit low shots into greens. He carded a round of 70 to take medalist honors. Five strokes ahead of the field.

His introduction to the sport came at age seven, chipping and putting around the practice green. That interest blossomed into consistent shot-making and lowered scores. “I really started to see a future in golf around seventh grade,’’ he said. “That summer things started to fall into place. I just like all the different aspects of the game. Driving, irons, chipping and putting. Every hold and round is different. I love all the challenges that arise.”
Avid golfers will say they are always chasing that perfect round. Whether a golfer can truly accomplish that is conjecture. But the pursuit is often what it’s about. And Quinn is all in.
“I love seeing improvements and strive to get better,’’ he said. “Golf has many different elements that you can work on. You can’t just be good in one. You have to practice them all.”
Mabin said Quinn is a true student of the game and committed to improve.
“It's (golf) a true year-round sport for him, and when he isn't on the golf course, he's often found watching swing videos or surrounded by some form of golf activity,’’ Mabin said.
His ball striking is consistent, rarely missing the target, but on those few occasions, when he’s not getting to the green in regulation, his short game shines.
“I always feel like I can get up and down from an arrant iron shot,” Shillingstad said.
Golf is in his future beyond this spring. Quinn will play collegiately at Minot State University. “The challenge in college is that everyone is good,’’ he admits. “I have to be dialed in at all times.”
Mabin sees a bright future for Quinn.
“He absolutely has all the ability to excel at the collegiate level, and I believe he will,’’ Mabin said. “He has no glaring weaknesses in his game. If I had to pinpoint a few of areas for continued focus, it would be increasing his make percentage on 3-8 foot putts. Dialing in approach shots from 100 yards and to provide two or three more really good birdie looks per round.”
For now, he is focused on one more productive season for St. Mary’s. He will be in the mix to win the West Region Tournament and pursue another top 10 state finish. Leading the squad back to the state tournament is also high on the list. He’s the veteran in a Saints lineup of young, talented golfers. 
“He is certainly leading by example through his hard work and approach to the game,’’ Mabin said. “I also think he will be a positive role model in displaying the virtues we talk about at St. Mary's. Like integrity, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and integrating faith in competition.”

Photo: Loralyn Joyce