Carson Schaake Catches Fire at U.S. Open Local Qualifying
BEATRICE (May 10, 2021) - Almost two years to the day from the last U.S. Open Qualifier in Nebraska, Carson Schaake of Omaha again earned medalist honors with an incredible round of 64 (-8). Three total players advanced out of Local Qualifying for the 2021 U.S. Open Championship on an ideal day at Beatrice Country Club on Monday.
Schaake, the 2014 Nebraska Amateur Golfer of the Year, caught fire midway through his round and earned medalist honors with a round of 64 (-8). Schaake, now a professional playing on the mini-tours, also shot the low round in 2019 U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Champions Run in Omaha.
After a couple of early birdies, Schaake's round took off with an eagle on the par-5 ninth hole, as he made the turn in 32 (-4). He added birdies on Nos. 11, 12 and 14, before wedging it close on No. 17 and rolling in another putt for his eighth birdie of the day. There's some uncertainty about the course record at Beatrice Country Club, which is likely either 63 or 64. Some members thought Schaake might have tied the record, since the course was lengthened to its now 7,100+ yardage.
McCook's Brandon Crick took the second qualifying spot, putting together a round of 67 (-5). The Korn Ferry Tour pro played in the 2013 U.S. Open, but has not advanced past Final Qualifying since. Crick made four birdies on the front nine, and then birdied both of the par-5s on the back nine to finish second.
Omaha's Ryan Vermeer shot a 68 (-4) to grab the third and final qualifying spot. The Director of Instruction at Happy Hollow Club in Omaha earned an exemption to the 2020 U.S. Open, and could add another major championship start to his resume. He made four birdies on the back nine to erase a couple bogeys and take the spot by one stroke.
Norfolk's Luke Kluver finished a stroke shy of the last spot, with a 69 (-3), and he'll be the first alternate. Kelly Brown, a former Omaha Maverick from Oberlin, Kansas, is the second alternate after a round of 70 (-2).
Schaake, Crick and Vermeer will next play at one of 10 U.S. Open Final Qualifying sites on Monday, June 7. They will have a chance there to qualify for the 121st U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California.
Final results can be found on the NGA website here: nebgolf.org/usga-events-and-qualifiers/
For more info on the U.S. Open visit the championship website here: usopen.com
About the NGA
The Nebraska Golf Association, founded in 1966, is comprised of all members of public and private clubs and/or municipal or regional golf associations which utilize an approved handicap service recognized by the USGA and provided by the NGA. Our mission is to uphold and promote the game of golf and its values to all golfers in Nebraska. Among the duties of the Association include governance of member clubs and service as their handicapping and course rating authority, conduct of state golf championships, local USGA qualifying & other notable competitions, promotion of junior golf, presentation of worthwhile educational programs and support of allied golf organizations in Nebraska. The Nebraska Golf Association is an Allied Golf Association of the USGA and carries out core services including Handicap Administration and Oversight, Course Rating, Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status, Tournaments and USGA Championship Qualifiers and USGA Initiatives and Community Programs.
About the USGA
The USGA celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf's premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment and amateur status rules. Our operating jurisdiction for these governance functions is the United States, its territories and Mexico. The USGA Handicap System is utilized in more than 40 countries and our Course Rating System covers 95 percent of the world's golf courses, enabling all golfers to play on an equitable basis. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association's Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world's most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.
