July 28, 2009
HIGHLAND, MI – University of Iowa sophomore golfer Barrett Kelpin qualified for the U.S. Amateur Monday, after placing second in the qualifier at Prestwick Village Country Club.
Kelpin fired a two-under par 70 first round followed by a second round three-under to finish with a 139 (-5). Ross Christopher of Eastern Michigan University was the medalist after firing a 135 (-9). Nick Pumord of Michigan also qualified with a 140 (-4). The par 72 at Prestwick Village plays 7,142 yards and was designed by internationally recognized golf architect, Ron Garl.
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“I just missed the cut last year after losing a disappointing playoff. It felt nice to be able to make it this year and I look forward to playing with some of the best amateurs in the nation.”
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“I just missed the cut last year after losing a disappointing playoff,” said Kelpin. “It felt nice to be able to make it this year and I look forward to playing with some of the best amateurs in the nation.”
Kelpin was a contributing freshman on the 2008-09 men’s golf team that made its first regional and national tournament appearance since 1995, put together its best Big Ten finish in eight years, won a tournament title at The Landfall Tradition and set numerous records. Iowa placed fifth at the NCAA Regionals and 17th at nationals.
“After the success from this spring and now qualifying for the U.S. Amateur,” Kelpin added. “I hope I can carry this momentum into a successful fall season.”