A Badgers alumnus tops crowded leaderboard at Wisconsin State Open

At Tuckaway Country Club in Franklin on August 18, Harrison Ott, a two-time Wisconsin State Open champion from Brookfield, had a 5-under-par total of 139 during his second round. However, it wasn't until over four hours later that Max Schwarz, a University of Wisconsin alumnus and professional golfer from Paradise Valley, Arizona, shot a 4-under 68, giving him a one-shot lead over Ott and three others heading into the final 36 holes on August 19.

Schwarz attributed his lead to his eagle putt on the par-5 16th hole, which landed a mere 12 feet from the cup. Two other amateurs from Marquette University – senior Mason Schmidtke and Golden Eagles alumnus Brandon Cloete – were also tied at 5-under, one shot behind Schwarz. Schmidtke had an up-and-down round with four birdies, two bogeys, and one double bogey, while Cloete saved par on the 18th hole to finish at 5-under.

David Bach, Vijay Kumar, Hugo Thyr, and Patrick Adler were also within striking distance of the lead after two rounds, with Ott nearly posting a 6-under total in his second round before bogeying the par-3 17th hole.