Burlington High School's Nate Spear signs to play golf at Drake University

It didn't take Burlington High School boys golf coach Brian Mumm long to figure out he has something special in Nate Spear.

In Spear's first varsity golf tournament as a freshman, he carded an even-par 72 at the difficult Geneva Golf and Country Club in Muscatine.

It wasn't long before Spear became a household name throughout golfing circles statewide.

Now, Spear will try to make his name known nationwide.

On Wednesday, the Burlington High School senior signed a National Letter of Intent to play golf for Drake University.

Spear will join longtime friend and competitor Cale Leonard of Ottumwa on the Drake team next year as the Bulldogs continue to rise among the best NCAA Division I programs in the country.

“It feels good. It’s a lot of relief off my shoulders. It’s what I have been working toward. It’s crazy that all the work and the years put into it, just signing my name and it’s official that I’m going on to the next stage in my golf career and my life. It’s crazy," Spear said. “I’ve looked at other schools in the past, but Coach Matt Lewis up at Drake was the first one to offer me. I took a visit and I loved it up there. With the weird year and the situation I’m in, I am very happy to take this offer. I’m excited to go up there. They have a really good program up there and I hope I can make an impact on it.”

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"Nate also had a great summer," Drake head coach Matt Lewis said. "He played in many state and regional events with several top finishes. Nate will fit right in with the team and definitely help us out in the future. I am looking forward to coaching him and his future is bright at Drake."

Spear twice qualified for the state tournament in his four years at Burlington. As a senior, he finished sixth individually and helped the Grayhounds place sixth as a team in their first trip to state in seven years.

For Spear, the road to the top was not an easy one. It took hours and hours of hard work on the course, the practice green and the driving range perfecting his craft.

Spear didn't have to look far to find role models to pattern his game after. Burlington Golf Club POGA professional Joe Butler has worked with Spear on his game since Spear was five. And former Bradley University and University of Iowa golfer Charles Jahn of Sperry has played golf with Spear at BGC for years.

“Whenever I needed help or just practice, Joe would always be up there. Over the years, even before I knew I wanted to play college golf, he was out there helping me. He’s been a big part. He’s been my lifelong golf coach," Spear said. “Charlie also has been a good motivator. I always wanted to get to the level he’s at. I’ve always looked up to him. He’s a great role model. Seeing him win these big tournament and accomplishment has pushed me even harder because I want to do that, too.”

“He is a hard worker. He enjoys what he is doing, so it’s not really work for him. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. He’s a very dedicated individual. He worked hard for what he’s achieved," Butler said. “I think the best is yet to come with Nate.”

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Spear, the son of Scott Spear and Tina Goodwin, rose to No. 1 in Class 4A as a junior, only to come up short at districts.

This year, Spear and the Grayhounds had one of the best seasons in school history, and made a lifetime of memories in the process.

“I had a rough start to the season and then I had seven rounds in a row that were under par. One of them was that 65 at Flint. That really helped me. It got my confidence back up and I just kept going," Spear said.

“I’m going to miss him. He deserves everything he gets. I hope he has a great career. Now I’m his No. 1 fan. I’m really excited and happy for him. He’s put in all the work. It’s been a fun four years," Mumm said. “With him being around, other people have come to the program. They want to be part of it. That’s really important.”

Spear is undecided on a career path, but said he plans to enter the business world. He also hinted at exploring the data analytics field.

Spear helped put BHS back on the map in boys golf. Now, he wants to do the same at Drake.

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“That will be fun. We’re going to room together. It will be weird not having him be my opponent. He’ll be a great teammate. It will be a lot of fun," Spear said of joining Leonard on the Des Moines campus. “It's a great school and a great program. It really sets you up for success in the future. It’s really good for academics.”

This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: Burlington High golfer Nate Spear signs to play at Drake University