Cedar Rapids Washington’s Frank Lindwall commits to Iowa State golf team

CEDAR RAPIDS - The process took about a year and was stressful, like any big decision to Frank Lindwall.

The Cedar Rapids Washington junior can take a deep breath and exhale now.

Lindwall gave his verbal commitment to play golf at Iowa State University. The two-time Mississippi Valley Conference Divisional Golfer of the Year confirmed it with The Gazette on Wednesday.

Relief accompanies the selection.

'I'm glad it's behind me,” Lindwall said. 'I'm confident I made the right choice.”

Lindwall achieved a longtime dream of playing golf for an NCAA Division I program. He made visits to programs across the country, including Virginia, Wake Forest, Stanford and Kansas State. Lindwall said he also received a scholarship offer from the University of Iowa.

'I've worked pretty hard and had a lot of help from people around me,” Lindwall said. 'It's exciting to see that goal become a reality.”

Lindwall sat down with his parents and mapped out the important characteristics he looked for in a college program. Iowa State seemed like a perfect fit.

'I love the coaches,” Lindwall said. 'I love the team culture. It's just a good program.”

Lindwall is a two-time state qualifier for the Warriors, tying for 10th at the 2013 Class 4A state meet. He is an all-state performer, who tied for 32nd at the 2015 fall state tournament. Lindwall had a strong summer last year, winning the Rotary Pribyl Junior Tournament and the U.S. Junior Amateur Sectional Qualifier, advancing to the United States Golf Association U.S. Junior Amateur Open.

The aspiration is to be the best golfer he can be and possibly compete for Big 12 and national championships with his Cyclones teammates. Washington Coach Dennis Goettel said Lindwall's work ethic will transfer into college success.

'He loves the game,” Goettel said. 'He is passionate about the game and practices and practices. He works really hard at it. I don't see him losing his enthusiasm. he will set some high goals and get after them.”

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