Every time before he tees off on No. 1 at Green Lea Golf Course Phil Schmidt imagines himself breaking the course record.

Those visions came to fruition Sunday when Schmidt carded an 11-under 61 at Green Lea, beating the previous course record of 62.

“It’s been a goal of mine,” Schmidt said. “It felt good to accomplish it.”

Schmidt already held a share of the course record with Chris Baas and has shot 62 twice previously, but with exceptional putting and driving Schmidt was able to claim the course record outright.

“I knew I had a chance after the first nine holes,” Schmidt said.

He birdied the last three holes on the front nine to finish the side 5-under. He made it five straight birdies after sinking two birdie putts to open the back nine. After paring No. 12 he birdied the next four consecutive holes and finished with 61.

Schmidt was playing with Eric Amann, Mike Oothoudt and Brett Richards Sunday. When the group entered the clubhouse, Green Lea owner Jeff Elseth said they were all shaking their heads in astonishment.

“He steps up to that first tee with that (the course record) in his mind,” Elseth said.

Schmidt said the difference was his putting and he had only 25 putts on the round. His approach shots were just as good as he hit 16 greens in regulation. He two-putted for birdie twice.

It capped off a tremendous stretch of golf for Schmidt. He won the club championship, beating Baas, just a week earlier.