Doak captured his first Lakeside Am title in nearly a decade, defeating Andrew Huseman on the second sudden-death playoff hole with a clutch eagle after both players had finished the 27-hole competition at six-under par 102. The victory is the 44-year-old Doak’s fourth championship overall in the event, named after the former Lakeside course manager who passed away unexpectedly in 2014 at the age of 32.

“To be honest, I haven’t really played what I would consider ‘good golf’ in about five years,” said Doak, a Cedar Falls resident and Grundy Center native. “I’d just been trying to piece things together and get back to the point where I could score competitively, but it hadn’t been anything close to this (until Sunday).

“I guess it’s kind of fitting it came here and in Fort Dodge. This is one of my favorite places to visit and golf. I have so many friends from (the area), and it’s such a welcoming community. Between Lakeside and the (Fort Dodge) Country Club, you have some of the most well-maintained courses in Iowa. I’ve always enjoyed my trips back here.”

Doak held a slim one-stroke edge after the opening 18 holes, carding a four-under par 68 to sit one clear of Huseman and Fort Dodge’s Eddie Doyle. Huseman birdied Nos. 10, 11 and 13 to pull ahead early in the championship nine, but Doak was able to force a playoff late with the four-time Habhab Lakeside Am gold medalist.

Messenger photo by Eric Pratt: Niel Doak putts during the championship nine at the Travis J. Habhab Lakeside Amateur on Sunday.

“Andrew is such a good player,” said Doak, who played collegiately at the University of Northern Iowa. “We’ve had a lot of head-to-head rounds through the years. I couldn’t get caught up in trying to figure out what I needed to do to catch or beat him…I just figured if my (final nine) was good enough, so be it.”

Doak and Huseman both birdied the par-5 18th hole to start sudden death. The duo returned to the 18th tee again, and this time, Doak reached the green in two shots and drained a 20-foot eagle putt to prevail.

Doak credited a new driver — and different perspective — for his recent turnaround.

“I’m driving it straight for the first time in what seems like forever,” Doak said. “That’s changed things, but I’ve also adjusted my mental approach. At my age, I finally came to the realization that I didn’t have to hit it 330 (yards) if I can go 285 and keep it in the fairway.”

Eddie Doyle of Fort Dodge, a former St. Edmond standout, finished a single stroke back of Doak and Huseman at five-under par 103. Scott Speirs (even-par 108) was next, while defending champion Lucas Peed, 2021 titleist Cole Jaeschke, Kevin Ault and Charlie West followed in a cluster at one-over 109.

Messenger photo by Eric Pratt: former Fort Dodge standout Kevin Ault hits a drive during the championship nine at the Travis J. Habhab Lakeside Amateur on Sunday.

Cool temperatures and cloudy skies greeted the field of nearly 90 players in the morning. By the championship round, the sun had emerged under fair conditions and nearly-calm winds.

TRAVIS J. HABHAB LAKESIDE AMATEUR

Championship Flight (Par 36-36-36–108)

1. *Niel Doak, 102; 2. Andrew Huseman, 102; 3. Eddie Doyle, 103; 4. Scott Speirs, 108; 5. Charlie West, 109; 6. Kevin Ault, 109; 7. Cole Jaeschke, 109; 8. Lucas Peed, 109; 9, Austin Morrow, 111; 10. Chad Hatch, 111.

(*won sudden-death playoff)

First Flight

Phil Larson, 77; 2. Justin Davis, 77; 3. Ryan Reeder, 77; 4. Phil Ruth, 78.

Second Flight

1. Brady Shelgren, 83; 2. Mitch McCarville, 83; 3. Devin Gallentine, 84; 4. Jeremy Larson, 85.

Third Flight

1. Chad West, 92; 2. Zach McKenna, 92; 3. Terry Flattery, 92; 4. Dylan Nelson, 92.