Chase Snyder: A College commitment, a U.S. Open Qualifier Event and a Hole-In-One

FISHERSVILLE – When Chase Snyder misses Wilson’s senior college commitment ceremony on Monday afternoon at the high school, he will have a legitimate reason. 

Snyder will be playing a practice round at the Full Cry course in Keswick in preparation for Tuesday’s U.S. Open Qualifier at the Pete Dye designed course.

First, let’s get to Snyder’s college commitment. The Wilson two-sport standout will be going to Roanoke College to play golf.

“I really liked the guys on the team. I went out to dinner with some of the guys and really enjoyed it. I want to be around people that have the same goals and commitment that I have. The team was the main reason,” Snyder said of his choice to become a Maroon. 

Snyder may also play basketball at Roanoke. “Until my junior year, basketball was kind of like a hobby. I wasn’t that great at it,” said Snyder. “Playing college basketball has been one of my goals. I’m not sure how that’s going to work out just yet, but it is something I’m pursuing.”

While at Roanoke, Snyder plans to major in sports analytics. “I’m a big “Sports-Head,” Snyder said. “I’m always looking and memorizing stats. It’s something I enjoy.”

Now, back to a little thing called the U.S. Open. 

Snyder will be playing in an Open qualifier for the second time. A year ago, he found out just how intense an Open Qualifier can be. 

“I didn’t play that well,” Snyder said of his first qualifying attempt. “If you’re playing in a qualifier for the first time, you will find out quickly there is a big gap between yourself and some of the guys you’re playing against. Last year, I played with two pros.

“It’s a ‘huge deal," he continued.. "There will be guys there who used to be on Tour but lost their card. There will be college players, players from the Korn Ferry Tour. You are literally trying to qualify for one of the four biggest tournaments in the world.”

Keswick offers a tough challenge for those trying to qualify. “It’s a very hard golf course. It’s not your average golf course.”

Snyder was on the golf course Sunday at Ironwood when he carded his second hole-in-one.

“I was 12 when I get me first hole-in-one,” Snyder said. 

He holed out Sunday on the par-3, 17th hole. “It was 149 yards into the wind. I played it about 156. I played a sawed-off 8-iron and hit it about as well as I could hit it.”