Aug. 11, 2009
IOWA CITY, IA – University of Iowa incoming freshman Ryan Marks Monday became the second Hawkeye men’s golfer to qualify for the 2009 U.S. Amateur. The Warrensburg, MO native fired a par 144 (73-71) to finish second at the sectional qualifier on the Des Moines Golf and Country Club South course. Marks will join sophomore Barrett Kelpin in the 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, OK, August 24-30.
Marks has excelled in high school competition, as well as national junior amateur events. As a junior at Warrensburg High School, Marks was crowned champion of the West Coast Conference Tournament and placed fourth in the Missouri high school state championships. During his senior campaign, Marks placed second in both his conference tourney and the state championships. He also did well in the Big “I” National Championship and Western Junior this summer.
Additionally, juniors Dusty Koth and Brad Hopfinger are competing in the Illinois Amateur, beginning today in Bloomington, IL. This tournament adds to the competition Iowa golfers have been competing in this summer.
“Adding a player of Ryan’s ability to our team is exciting,” said Assistant Coach Tyler Stith. “The guys have done a good job over the summer and we expect a high level of competitiveness this fall.”