Local golfer in Top 25 at first U.S. college event
A move to the United States means more time on the golf course for Saskatoon’s Roman Timmerman.
The St. Joseph High School graduate is into his freshman season of playing golf for the Southern Arkansas University Muleriders, who compete in the NCAA Division II’s Great American Conference.
So, when Timmerman was reached by phone, he was in the middle of a practice round on the golf course. It’s become his second home.
“It’s nice playing every day — it’s a real advantage,” said Timmerman, 18.
“It’s awesome. We have practice Monday through Friday and we can golf, too, so it’s nice to get out.”
Making his NCAA II debut, Timmerman finished tied for 25th at the Great American Conference preview tournament recently in Oklahoma City.
Timmerman shot rounds of 7468-73. He placed second among Southern Arkansas golfers behind fellow Saskatchewan golfer and teammate Kade Johnson (68-66-68—14-under), who was fourth overall. Southern Arkansas placed sixth in the team standings.
“At first, I was kind of skeptical (on collegiate golf ) and didn’t really know what to think,” Timmerman said.
“But I feel like I’m fitting in good and I just feel real comfortable now. I’ve met a lot of new people so I feel likes things are going pretty good.”
Timmerman said he was lured south by fellow Saskatchewan golfer and former Saskatchewan junior champion Johnson, who hails from Yorkton.
“Kade Johnson, one of my good friends, was here, so he kind of talked me into it,” said Timmerman, who added he was later sold on the idea after flying down to see the campus.
“I came on a visit last year and I really liked it. I was talking to a few other schools but I thought this one would be the best fit, just having Kade here and knowing somebody to get off to a good start.”
Timmerman is living in the dorm on the university and, of course, living the golf dream.
“I hopefully stay here four years, get a degree and think about maybe turning pro,” he said, “trying to make it on the Mackenzie Tour or somewhere else and have my (business) degree to fall back on to get a good job in the future.”