NOTRE DAME, IN — The University of Iowa men`s golf team finished tied for sixth at the NCAA Central Regional Saturday. The Hawkeyes fired a final round of 281 (+1) to finish with a 54-hole total of 848 (+8), missing the NCAA Championship cut by one stroke. Stanford won the Regional with a score of 830 (-10) while Florida State, Florida, Duke and LSU rounded out the top five that will advance.
“I think we played pretty well today,” said Head Coach Mark Hankins. “Throughout the tournament, we dropped some shots at in opportune moments and in a field like this, it will cost you.”
After a very solid tournament, Brad Hopfinger tied for 11th to lead the Black and Gold. The junior posted a final round of even par 70 to finish with a total score of 209 (-1). Sophomore Chris Brant shot a third round of 72 (+2) to tie for 22nd after a three-day total of 211 (+1). Vince India carded a 75 (+5) on the day to finish with a tournament total of 217 (+7). The junior finished tied for 43rd.
Barrett Kelpin finished tied for 46th with a total score of 218 (+8). The sophomore fired a third round of one-under par 69 to lead the Hawkeyes in the final day. Brad George put together his best round of the tournament on his way to a tie for 66th. The sophomore shot a final round of even par 70 to finish with a total score of 227 (+17).
“I’m proud of the guys, but I think we’re all a little disappointed right now,” said Hankins. “We knew we were good enough to advance and we expected to play in the NCAA Championship Finals. Every time you get an experience like this, it’ll continue to help you grow and that’s what we need to do from here.”
Although this will put a cap on the Hawkeye’s season, not a single student-athlete will be lost to graduation. After a their second consecutive NCAA Regional appearance and best Big Ten finish in 18 years, every Iowa golfer will return for the 2010-11 campaign, a realization that will make any coach happy.
“These guys have a long and difficult summer ahead of them to improve for next year,” added Hankins. “It’s time for each guy to create his own identity and strive to be the best on the team. As long as everyone betters their individual performances, the competitive atmosphere will grow and create a better team.”
Team Results
1. Stanford 277-279-274=830 (-10)
2.Florida State 283-276-275=834 (-6)
3.Florida 279-280-279=838 (-2)
4.Duke 292-277-270=839 (-1)
5.LSU 280-289-278=847 (+7)
6. IOWA 288-279-281=848 (+8)
Northwestern 284-279-285=848 (+8)
Michigan 285-281-282=848 (+8)
9. Indiana 285-286-279=850 (+10)
10. Virginia Tech 284-288-283=855 (+15)
11. N.C. State 289-283-287=859 (+19)
12. Detroit Mercy 297-289-285=871 (+31)
13. Murray State 297-295-287=879 (+39)
14. St. Francis 319-304-287=910 (+70)
Player Results – Par 70 (Top 3 + Iowa)
1.Drew Kittleson (FSU) 69-67-68=204 (-6)
2.Wesley Graham (FSU) 67-68-70=205 (-5)
Adam Long (Duke) 70-70-65=205 (-5)
T11. Brad Hopfinger (UI) 71-68-70=209 (-1)
T22. Chris Brant (UI) 71-68-72=211 (+1)
T43. Vince India (UI) 71-71-75=217 (+7)
T46. Barrett Kelpin (UI) 77-72-69=218 (+8)
T66. Brad George (UI) 75-82-70=227 (+17)