Nietfeldt holds off Sajevic to win Nebraska Mid-Amateur

Ryan Nietfeldt is a recurring figure in Nebraska Mid-Amateur golf. The Elkhorn, Neb., native raised the state mid-amateur trophy for a record-tying third time on Sunday at Fremont (Neb.) Golf Club.

Nietfeldt entered the day tied with three-time Nebraska Amateur champion Andy Sajevic of Omaha at 3 under. Thunderstorms rearranged the day’s playing schedule, and after a delay of more than three hours, players teed off in a shotgun start.

Even though the storms had passed, wind whipped throughout the final round. Nietfeldt managed it, firing a 1-over 72 for a 2-under 140 and a one-shot win over Sajeic.

Nietfeldt grabbed the lead early, as Sajevic bogeyed two of the first three holes. Nietfeldt dropped a shot with a bogey on No. 4, but Sajevic made another bogey on No. 7 and a birdie on No. 8 for Nietfeldt gave him a three-stroke lead. He bogeyed the par-4 ninth but came right back with a birdie on No. 10. Nietfeldt then parred seven of his final eight holes, with the only blemish a bogey on the par-5 15th.

Sajevic made a late run with some birdie chances, with one dropping on No. 16 to pull him within a stroke. However, they both made par on the final two holes, and Nietfeldt came away with the victory. Sajevic’s final round 2-over 73 gave him a 1-under 141 total, and a fourth runner-up finish in this championship. He’s finished runner-up every time he’s competed in the Mid-Amateur.

Information from Nebraska Golf Association used in this report