Schmid wins European Amateur, earns Open Championship start

Earlier this month, Matthias Schmid played his way to the third round of match play at of the Amateur Championship at Portmarnock (Ireland) Golf Club. The German channeled that energy this week and finished the job at the European Amateur. Schmid, who plays college golf at the University of Louisville, logged a three-shot win at Diamond Country Club in Austria.

Schmid was 15 under for 72 holes to edge Scotland’s Euan Walker, runner-up at the Amateur Championship, by three shots. Schmid helped his case considerably by firing a third-round 63. His final-round 70 included three birdies and an eagle.

"I feel exhausted, but very very satisfied and happy. It's incredible, I can't believe it so far," Schmid said. "I had a good showing at the British Am' last week, finished ninth there, and just tried to keep it going. This course was setup how I'm used to back in Germany and I just kept it going from there. I played very solid towards the end and didn't make many mistakes which was the key."

Schmid, who led Louisville in scoring this season, earned a spot in the Open Championship as well as an exemption into the U.S. Amateur courtesy of his victory.

"I can't believe that right now, I haven't played in any high level professional events, so to have this as my first one, it's unbelievable,” Schmid said of his Open berth. "I didn't make many mistakes which was the key."

It has been a good month for Schmid, who made early-week headlines at Portmarnock with his 9-and-8 defeat of Same Done in the first round of match-play.

At Diamond Country Club this week, Schmid had his father on the bag for the final round. It was a fitting day to share.