By Tom Schardin, Staff Writer

Alec Schumacher of Savage has seen better results on the links once he learned how manage his game mentally.

Following a strong first season at Luther College in Iowa, the 2006 Prior Lake High School graduate has continued his strong play this summer, qualifying for the Minnesota State Open at Bunker Hills Golf Club in Coon Rapids.

Schumacher is one 154 golfers in the field, which is a mixture of local professionals and amateurs. The 54-hole tournament, which begins Friday, July 25 and ends Sunday, is one of the premier Minnesota PGA events of the summer.

“It will be a lot of fun playing with some of the bigger names around here,” said Schumacher. “I just want to go out and do my best and try to shoot some good scores.”

Schumacher earned a spot in the field by shooting a 1-under par 71 in a qualifying tournament at Bunker.

Schumacher’s talent was evident in high school when he qualified for the Class AA state tournament (also held at Bunker) his junior and senior seasons.

As the last Laker golfer to earn a trip to state, Schumacher did not challenge for the title in his two trips. He finished tied for 45th as a junior, shooting a pair of 80s. As a senior, he improved slightly, shooting a 36-hole total of 154 (75 and 79) to finish tied for 30th.

From there, Schumacher was planning to play Division II golf at Minnesota State-Mankato, but he didn’t make the team in his freshman season.

“I wasn’t really committed that first season,” said Schumacher. “I didn’t make the team. I don’t think I was prepared.”

Schumacher transferred to Luther College and quickly found a home. He also found a coach (Scott Fjelstul), who was able to tap into Schumacher’s weakness – the mental part of the game. He also learned the value of practice.

“Mentally, I’m much better than I ever was,” said Schumacher. “I don’t get too worked up any more if a shot doesn’t turn out the way I expected it to. My coach really worked with me on the mental part of the game and there’s no doubt it’s helped my scoring. I’m hitting the ball more consistent. I’m not letting a bad shot or hole ruin a round.”

Schumacher helped Luther College win the Iowa Conference Championships, which earned the Norse a berth into the NCAA Division III Championships in Chateau Eton Resort in Georgia. It was the school’s first appearance at nationals since 1997.

Luther finished 21st as a team and Schumacher was the only Norse player to have all four scores in the 70s. He finished 48th overall, shooting rounds of 79, 74, 76 and 78 (par 71).

Schumacher tied for 16th at the Iowa Conference Championships, shooting a 63-hole total of 26-over par, including a final round of 76. His best finish during the season was fifth place at the Royal Spring Invitational, shooting 78. His other top-10 finish was eighth at the 36-hole St. John’s Fall Invitational, shooting rounds of 78 and 75.

“Alec has worked very hard on all aspects of his game,” said Fjelstul. “He added anther piece to our team puzzle. He hits the ball very straight with his woods and irons.”

“Alec played pretty well most of the time, but there were rounds he struggled,” added Fjelstul. “All golfers want to be more consistent, but golf is a game of ups and downs. I think he could improve around the greens a little, but again that’s an area where all golfers know strokes can be saved. I think Alec is going to have an even better second year for us. He’s certainly capable of it.”

Luther returns its entire team for the 2008-09 season which starts Sept. 7-8 at the Augsburg Fall Invitational. So expectations are high for everyone coming back.

“We’re gong to be very strong contender again,” said Fjelstul. “Everyone will be back and we are bringing in some good freshmen recruits.”

Schumacher is looking forward to his second season. He knows there will be more expected of him this fall, as well as the team. But he’s ready for that added responsibility.

“There’s definitely room for improvement in my game,” said Schumacher. “Even the slightest improvements can be very significant in your scores. I’m just going to keep working hard and having fun out there.”

To follow Schumacher and other golfers at the Minnesota State Open go to www.minnesotapga.com/