Sammy Schmitz

Schmitz is a regional director for a health-care services company, selling housekeeping, laundry and dining services for long-term nursing facilities in Minnesota and Iowa. He played at St. John?s University in Minnesota and is a three-time Minnesota Golf Association Player of the Year.
The Minnesota native won the 2015 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship by defeating Marc Dull 3 & 2 in the finals. Schmitz, who was 3,724th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings before the Mid-Am, won the match in the most unusual manner ever seen in a championship. The 33rd hole was the 290-yard, par-4 15th on the East Course at John?s Island Club. Schmitz pulled out his driver and knocked his tee shot into the cup for a most unlikely ace. Winning the hole put him ?dormie?? 3-up with only three holes to play ? and he closed out his win by halving the next hole.
Schmitz played his first round at Augusta National in December and had planned a couple of additional trips before the Masters because he normally doesn?t get to play golf in the winter. At the Masters, he?ll have friend John Hanner carry his bag. An accomplished golfer, Hanner was Schmitz?s caddie when he won the Mid-Amateur in Vero Beach, Fla.
Schmitz has no aspirations about turning professional, telling a reporter from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, ?I have a career; I have kids. I?m having fun being an amateur. I love the camaraderie and the friendships.?