The competition was stacked for Albert Lea golfer Tyler Haaland Tuesday when he and the rest of the Tiger boys’ golf team traveled to St. Peter to play, but none of that mattered after the tee shot on No. 1.

Haaland was paired with defending Class A champion Grant Wayland from Bethlehem Academy and University of Minnesota recruit Jon Trasamar from Blue Earth.

But it was Haaland who came out on top, shooting a 79 to win medalist honors while Wayland and Trasamar shot 83.

Haaland said it was a little different playing with a gallery, but it didn’t matter after his first shot.

“After the first shot I was zoned out in my own world,” he said.

Haaland also admitted that he didn’t know Wayland was the defending Class A state champion until after his round.

Haaland started with three consecutive pars and continued to play consistent throughout much of the round.

When he did get in trouble he was quick to recover. On No. 16 he carded an eight on the par four, but on the very next hole he made birdie.

“For most of the round he didn’t make any big mistakes,” said Albert Lea head coach Riley Worth.

The Tigers finished second at the tournament with a 346. The Buccaneers won with a 342 and the Cardinals shot 352.

Luke Michels carded an 88 for Albert Lea while Robert Peterson shot 89 and Brady Falk 90 to round out the scoring.