Ryan Schlueter, Todd Hingtgen win 2021 Cedar Rapids City Am titles

CEDAR RAPIDS — Sometimes a smart shot means you don’t have the guts to try it.

“Pins were tucked really well,” said Todd Hingtgen, discussing the final round at the Cedar Rapids City Amateur tournament that concluded Sunday at Ellis Golf Course. “You wanted to get greedy, then you just got slapped.”

That’s from the Senior Open champ who shot a three-day total of 211, defeating Rob Dickerman’s 213.

The glass trophy is the fourth for the 62-year-old Hingtgen.

Someone else who has played incredibly consistent over the years is Justin Pansegrau.

The 38-year-old married father of two has finished second for the Men’s Open title too many times to keep track and considers that very much a victory.

“Ryan (Schlueter) is a fantastic golfer and I play with him a lot,” Pansegrau said. “He's capable of beating anyone. I have six or seven second-place trophies and I have two kids. I'm fine with it.”

Beginning the day in a tie for fifth, Pansegrau knew he had to have a special day to catch Schlueter.

“(Hole No.) 16 was a short par 4 and I couldn't pick the wind right,” Pansegrau said. “I should've hit driver but I laid up. I wouldn't have played 17 any different, those are two holes you want to birdie.”

That allowed 30-year-old Ryan Schlueter to hold on for a one-stroke victory at 6-under-par with a 210 (67-70-73) total and the Open division title.

The Mount Mercy alum and Marion resident finished second the previous two years, but Schlueter’s secret weapon was his caddie/girlfriend Linsey Strittmater.

“It was fun,” Schlueter said. “It's awesome that she was here.”

While it was her boyfriend’s suggestion, Strittmater was on board from the start.

“I know nothing about golf, but let's do it,” Strittmater said with a smile. “I handed him the clubs, I pushed the cart and maybe gave him a pat on the back once in a while.”

Her other secret was plenty of cold drinks and granola.

“We definitely are bonding over the experience and to see him get the win today is awesome,” Strittmater said.

While the winning pair was tired and ready to eat and relax, Strittmater kept hearing what a wonderful job she had done.

“Everyone is giving me the credit,” Strittmater said. “The caddie gets the credit and 10 percent of the cut.”