WEBSTER CITY – It’s not the state tournament, it will only feel like it.

The pressure will be high and the scores will likely be low today when four of the top five ranked boys’ golf teams in Class 3A go to battle at a district tournament at the Ames Golf and Country Club.

The top two teams will automatically advance to next week’s state tournament at Spring Valley Golf Course on the outskirts of Livermore. That number could jump to three if top-ranked Gilbert, which will be playing on its designated home course, finishes first or second.

Also in the field are the last two state champions – 2015 winner and second-ranked Webster City as well as 2014 title holder and third-ranked West Delaware. Throw in fifth-ranked Decorah and Independence and the stage is set for what could be a memorable 18 holes.

“We’re excited to start, but we’re also nervous,” WCHS senior Alec Fuhs said. “We all know the stakes … it’s going to be a brutal round.”

The individual talent is second to none; four of the top five ranked players, six of the top 10 and nine of the top 20 will all tee it up. Gilbert’s Garret Jensen sits at No. 1 and 2014 state runner-up Clayton Larsen of West Delaware is right behind him.

WCHS has three individuals among the top 20 – Alec Fuhs at No. 4, Avery Fuhs at No. 9 and Drew Fielder at No. 18.

Decorah’s Sam Sacquitne, ranked No. 5, has finished sixth at each of the last two state meets.