April 18, 2010
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IOWA CITY, IA – The University of Iowa men’s golf team dominated the ten-team Hawkeye – TaylorMade/adidas Invitational at Finkbine Golf Course, claiming a 12-stroke lead over second place Miami of Ohio. The Hawkeyes carded a final round of 277 (-11), tying the third lowest 18-hole team total in program history, while finishing the tournament with an 863 (-1), the fourth lowest 54-hole total in program history.
Barrett Kelpin shined for the Hawkeyes as he worked his way from a share of 29th place to finishing tied for fourth. The sophomore sunk ten birdies in his final round for a 64 (-8), the second lowest 18-hole score carded in Iowa history. Kelpin finished the tournament with a score of 216 (E).
“I got off to a great start and after that I felt really comfortable the entire day,” said Kelpin. “The putter was rolling well the whole day, so I knew if I gave myself opportunities, my score could have gone as low as I wanted. It was a good day because I put myself in the right spots on the green and it really paid off.”
Sophomore Chris Brant also tied for fourth. After firing a third round of 69 (-2), he finished at even par 216.
“I think the course definitely changed a lot from yesterday and that really helped,” said Brant. “Finkbine is a course where if you don’t hit it in the right spots, you’re in trouble. Today it was easier to find those spots when the wind wasn’t as strong and things just worked out for me.”
Vince India carded a final round of 73 (+1) as he finished in sixth place. The sophomore shot a 54-hole total of 217 (+1). Junior Brad Hopfinger finished in a tie for 15th. With a third round of 77 (+5), he recorded a total score of 221 (+5). Freshman Ryan Marks fired a 1-under par 71 during Sunday’s round, bringing his total to 225 (+9). The sophomore finished in a tie for 26th.
As one of four Hawkeyes competing individually, Brad George finished tied for ninth, making him the fourth Hawkeye golfer to finish in the top ten. The sophomore finished with a score of 219 (+3) after a final round of 71 (-1). Sophomores James Reiss and Jared Walahoski also fired a 71 Sunday. Reiss finished tied for 26th with a score of 225 (+9) while Walahoski tied for 37th with a 228 (+12). Sophomore Dusty Koth finished with a score of 229 (+13) and tied for 41st.
“I think we came out a little rusty on day one,” said Head Coach Mark Hankins. “We were more focused today and determined to go out and play well. This win will definitely help us prepare for next weekend.”
The Hawkeyes will return to the links April 24 when they travel to West Lafayette, IN, for the two-day Boilermaker Invitational.
“We have a week of hard work ahead of us,” added Brant. “A lot of tough teams will be at the Boilermaker and it’s a very tough golf course. We need to stay focused this week and not get complacent after this win.”
Team Results
1. IOWA 291-295-277=863 (-1)
2. Miami (Ohio) 296-293-286=875 (+11)
3. Western Illinois 298-296-285=879 (+15)
Drake 300-294-287=881 (+17)
5. UMKC 300-300-283=883 (+19)
6. Missouri State 299-306-290=895 (+31)
7. South Dakota St. 301-306-292=899 (+35)
8. Northern Illinois 298-305-298=901 (+37)
9. Western Kentucky 298-306-309=913 (+49)
10. Bradley 315-311-297=923 (+59)
Individual Results – Par 72 (Top 3 + Iowa)
1. Alex Hogben (UMKC) 73-72-64=209 (-7)
2. Kyle Peterman (WIU) 70-72-73=215 (-1)
Brad Reierson (Drake) 71-73-71=215 (-1)
4. Barrett Kelpin (UI) 76-76-64=216 (E)
Chris Brant (UI) 73-74-69=216 (E)
6. Vince India (UI) 70-74-73=217 (+1)
T15. Brad Hopfinger (UI) 72-72-77=221 (+5)
T26. Ryan Marks (UI) 79-75-71=225 (+9)