Iowa in third Place Through Three Rounds of Men's Big Ten Golf

May 1, 2010

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MAPLE PLAINS, Minnesota – – University of Iowa sophomore Barrett Kelpin shot a three-over par 74 to lead the Hawkeyes at the second day of the Big Ten Championships, as Iowa sits in third place through 54 holes. The final 18 holes will be played at Windsong Farm Golf Club Sunday, with tee times beginning at 8 a.m.

As a team the Hawkeyes recorded a 304 total on Saturday for a 54-hole total of 878. First day leader Illinois remains in first place (862) after shooting 300 on Saturday. Michigan moved into second with a third round score of 294, as the Wolverines were the only team to shoot under 300. Saturday’s third round featured a steady wind of 20 to 25 miles per hour throughout the day, with temperatures in the upper 50’s. Northwestern is fourth, just one stroke behind the Hawkeyes, while Purdue is another four strokes back in fifth place.

Kelpin’s round of 74 earned him a tie for third place with Zach Barlow of Illinois. Michigan’s Matt Thompson shot a three-under 68 Saturday to move into a first place tie with David Lipsky of Northwestern. Thompson was the only golfer in the field to shoot under par in the third round, while just three additional golfers were able to match par with scores of 71.

Hawkeye Junior Vince India shot 75 on Saturday after two rounds of 73 on Friday. India is tied for 17th in the individual standings. Sophomores Brad George and Chris Brant shot scores of 77 and 78, respectively, while junior Brad Hopfinger completed Iowa’s scoring with an 80.

“Friday we played well right from the start,” noted Iowa Coach Mark Hankins. “Saturday, the first holes were tough. You had to hang in there and take advantage of the downwind holes. It will be very similar conditions Sunday. We continued to work throughout the day and played the backside well to finish strong.” Playing in the final group of the day, Kelpin began the round with a double bogey on the first hole and a bogey on two. He was four over par when he chipped in on the par three seventh hole to get a stroke back and he ended the nine with consecutive pars. After a bogey on 11, Kelpin birdied the par five 12. He bogeyed 15 before making par-saving putts on 16 and 17. His second shot on the par 5, 18th hole found the green, where he got down in two to end the round with his third birdie of the day.

“I just tried not to get too bent out of shape early,” said Kelpin. “I tried to keep hitting good shots into the wind and put the ball in the right spot on the green. The chip in on seven got me going. Once I made the turn at three over I felt under control going into the back nine. I played solid on the back nine all the way around. “I just laid it up short and holed a good putt there,” added Kelpin of his birdie at 12. “That got me back on track after a disappointing bogey on 11. I made a good put on 17 to save par after hitting into the sand. I hit a great drive on 18 to put myself in great shape and give myself a shot for birdie.” “Team wise, we will continue to play to our individual strengths and the team score will take care of itself,” added Hankins. “Playing with the leaders is a good position. Last year we were there as well. Hopefully this year we will do better in that position. Obviously the closer you are to the leaders the better off you are.” Iowa finished sixth in the Big Ten Championships a year ago. Iowa will play the final 18 holes of the event Sunday paired with Illinois and Michigan, with the Hawkeye tee times beginning at 8:50 a.m. Fans can follow live results at golfstatresults.com.

Team Results through 54 Holes
1. Illinois 281-281-300-862
2. Michigan 286-294-294-874
3. Iowa 288-286-304-878
4. Northwestern 292-286-301-879
5. Purdue 293-284-306-883
6. Indiana 289-290-306-885
7. Ohio State 293-292-308-893
8. Minnesota 301-289-306-886
9. Penn State 296-294-307-897
10. Michigan State 298-291-310-899
11. Wisconsin 298-300-314-912

Individual Results – Par 71 (Top 5 + Iowa)
T1. David Lipsky (Northwestern) 67-72-71-210
T1. Matt Thompson (Michigan) 73-69-68-210
T3. Barrett Kelpin (Iowa) 69-69-74-212
T3. Zach Barlow (Illinois) 70-66-76-212
5. Jack Schulze (Michigan) 69-73-71-213
T17. Vince India (Iowa) 73-73-75-221
T22. Brad George (Iowa) 73-73-77-223
T28. Chris Brant (Iowa)76-71-78-225
T31. Brad Hopfinger (Iowa)73-73-80-226