Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly — June | Fight For Iowa
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior Alex Schaake earned medalist honors at Sectional Qualifying Monday at Firehorn Golf Club in Lincoln, Nebraska. Schaake’s performance earned the Omaha native a spot in the 118th U.S. Amateur Championship at Pebble Beach, Aug. 13-19.
Schaake was flawless in earning his first trip to the U.S. Amateur. The newest Nebraska Match Play Champion did not make a bogey in 36 holes on the par-71 course layout, adding 10 birdies to win the tournament by four strokes. After shooting a first round 68 (-3) and trailing by two strokes, Schaake caught fire to start his second round. He birdied his first three holes, Nos. 10, 11 and 12, then added birdies on Nos. 16 and 18 to shoot 30 (-5). Two more birdies on the front nine, and Schaake posted the low round of the day by two strokes, a 64 (-7).
“I played the best I have played this summer,” said Schaake. “I didn’t have any bogeys, which is impressive out here because you have to drive the ball so well. I was able to make those six to seven-foot putts for par when I needed them to keep the round going.
“The U.S. Amateur is such a historic tournament. I’m looking forward to playing such a cool place like Pebble Beach.”
Last month, Schaake won the Nebraska Match Play Championship at Champions Run on June 25.
Schaake was an All-Big Ten second team selection at the 2018 Big Ten Championships, finishing 18th overall. He finished this past season with an 18-hole average of 71.88, to lead the team, and it was the fourth lowest average in Hawkeye history since the 1991-92 season. Schaake was also named a 2018 Division I PING All-Midwest Regional selection and led Iowa in rounds at or below par (13) and top-10 finishes (4).
