Schaake grows lead in quest for Nebraska Am three-peat

FREMONT, Neb. (July 27, 2018) – Alex Schaake maintained his lead Friday at the Nebraska Amateur as he chases a third consecutive victory in his state championship. Schaake grew his lead from one shot to three shots after 36 holes at Fremont Golf Club.

Omaha's Schaake has won this title twice before, but Thursday was the first time he held the lead after the first round of the tournament. He is looking to become the first player since Bob Astleford, also of Omaha, to win three straight titles. He’s also aiming for a wire-to-wire victory.

After opening with 4-under 67, Schaake threw out another 67 in the second round. On Friday, he opened with an eagle on the par-4 first hole. He followed with two bogeys in the next four holes.

That was a hard pace for the rest of the field to keep. Caleb Badura, of Aurora, tried. He had an eagle of his own on the par-5 eighth along with five birdies. He also had five bogeys to finish at 4-under 70. Badura is 5 under and three shots behind Schaake.

Jace Guthmiller backed up a first-round 68 with a second-round 70 and is solo third.

Another Omaha player, Andy Sajevic stands solo fourth at 2 under while Matthew Schaefer and Luke Gutschewski are tied for fifth at 1 under.