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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa sophomores Alex Schaake, Jack Simpson, and junior Matthew Walker were named 2017 Men’s Golf Big Ten Preseason Honorees, the conference office announced Wednesday.
Schaake had four rounds at or below par and compiled a 75.1 stroke average per 18-holes over seven events last season. The Omaha, Nebraska, native posted a season and career-low 66 (-4) at the Big Ten Championships, which was best for 29th place. Against Michigan State in the Chechesse Creek Club Dual, Schaake tied for second place with a 71 (+1).
Simpson led Iowa at the 2017 Big Ten Championships with a team-best 54-hole total of 214 (+4; 74, 68, 72), which was best for 16th place. In the second round at the Big Ten Championships he posted an 18-hole career best of 68 (-2). The Aurora, Ontario, native competed in six tournaments and averaged 77.43 strokes-per-round with three rounds at or below par and two top 20 finishes.
Walker competed in every tournament for the Hawkeyes for the second consecutive year, and was named to the Division I PING All-Midwest Regional Team. The Ottumwa, Iowa, native averaged 72.73 strokes-per-round and had four top 20 finishes with seven rounds at or below par. At the Mason Rudolph Championship, Walker played at or below par in all three rounds while carding a 210 (-3; 70, 69, 71), which was best for 15th place. Walker tied for 19th at the Big Ten Championships, firing a 215 (+5; 73, 73, 69) and he tied for 46th place at the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional posting a 229 (+12; 77, 80, 82).
The Hawkeyes open the 2017 season at the Gopher Invitational in Minneapolis, Sept. 10-11.
