A Glimpse into the U.S. Open Qualifier at The Country Club of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls – A Day of Golfing Aspirations
On a bright Monday morning, the greens of The Country Club of Sioux Falls were bustling with energy as professional and amateur golfers geared up for their shot at qualifying for the U.S. Open, one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. The annual qualifier attracted 82 participants, all vying for a coveted spot in the final qualifying rounds leading to the U.S. Open, scheduled to take place on June 2 across various courses in the country.
The Race for Four Spots
Out of the competitors, the top four finishers were granted the opportunity to continue their journey toward the U.S. Open, while two alternate spots added an extra layer of excitement. This qualifier is not just a competition; it’s a stepping stone for many aspiring golfers aiming to showcase their talents on a national stage.
Luke Kluver: The Medalist
Leading the pack was Norfolk, Nebraska’s Luke Kluver, who rounded the course with an impressive 8-under 64, securing his place as the medalist. Kluver, a former University of Oklahoma golfer, demonstrated his prowess by hitting eagles on both holes 11 and 15—a testament to his skill on par-5s. Recently, Kluver also participated in the LECOM Suncoast Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour, showcasing his competitive spirit and commitment to the game.
Strong Performances from Club Professionals
In a strong second-place finish, Chris Collins, a club pro at Arrowhead Country Club in Rapid City, recorded a bogey-free round of 6-under 66. The former Washington State University golfer impressed the audience with his consistency, marking an eagle on the 15th hole. His performance exemplifies the level of talent present in the local golfing community.
Collegiate Talents Shine
The third and fourth spots were clinched by a combination of current and former collegiate golfers, both finishing with 4-under 68. Owen Sawyer, an active player for Iowa State, showcased stunning skill early on, racking up five birdies on the front nine. Meanwhile, Brady Madsen from Raymond, Minnesota, who previously played for Florida Gulf Coast University, displayed remarkable focus by maintaining a bogey-free round, three of his four birdies coming from the back nine.
Tension in the Alternate Playoff
The competition heightened as the day progressed, culminating in a nail-biting sudden-death playoff to determine who would claim the two alternate spots. Four golfers found themselves tied at 3-under 69, leading to an intense two-hole playoff. Ultimately, Jacob Otta, an O’Gorman alumnus, and Tyler Seeling from Breezy Point, Minnesota, emerged victorious. Both golfers have solid connections to South Dakota State University, with Seeling currently part of the Jackrabbits’ golf team and Otta a former player now working as a specialist at the Sanford Golf Academy.
Promising Future for Alternates
The other two golfers who competed in the playoff also brought noteworthy backgrounds. Eighteen-year-old Jacob Wilson from Forest Lake, Minnesota, is set to join SDSU next season, while Maxwell Schmidtke from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is currently with the University of South Dakota golf team. Their presence highlights the strong talent emerging from the region, making the future of South Dakota golf promising.
Looking Ahead to Oakmont
As the qualifiers prepare for the final round on June 2, there’s palpable excitement surrounding the potential for golfers to advance to the 125th U.S. Open. Scheduled to be held at the historic Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, starting June 12, the stakes have never been higher. With a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, the journey to the U.S. Open promises to be filled with thrilling moments and remarkable achievements.
Author Bio
Nathan Swaffar is a sports reporter for the Mitchell Republic. He graduated from the University of Kansas in May 2024 with a degree in journalism and a minor in history. Nathan covers a variety of prep and collegiate sports throughout South Dakota, including USD Football.
