Schaefer hones skills in summer golf circuit

New Rockford-Sheyenne senior Ben Schaefer concluded a successful summer golf tournament schedule on the PGA Junior Circuit in Minnesota.

Ben, the son of Monty and Tori Schaefer of New Rockford, has competed in tournaments in the Gopher State for two years now. He participates in the Minnesota section of the PGA, which includes North and South Dakota.

During his first year of play in 2018, Schaefer played well enough in 11 Junior Series events (ages 16-19) to qualify for the Players Series this past summer. Players tournaments are held on more difficult golf courses.

While involved in the Players Series, he also found time for a few additional Junior Series tournaments for a total of 15 summer-wide events from June to August.

He finished in first place and the runner-up position two times each, and finished his summer by competing in the Warrior Cup in Duluth, Minn., which features kids who won tournaments throughout the summer.

Schaefer, who came in ninth place with a 79 at this past spring's Class B state golf tournament, enjoys playing competitively, traveling to and playing new courses, meeting new kids and continuing to improve his game.

While he never puts the clubs away, Ben is concentrating on football this fall, suiting up for the Rockets as part of a seven-senior class hoping to return to the playoffs once again.