July 29, 2010
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch (2009-10 season)
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
IOWA CITY — University of Iowa men’s golfers Vince India and Barrett Kelpin will compete in the 2010 U.S. Amateur Championships following a pair of impressive finishes in there respective qualifiers. The Hawkeye duo will meet in University Place, WA, Aug. 23-29 for a shot at the 110th U.S. Amateur title.
India, a native of Deerfield, IL, punched his ticket July 26 at the USGA Amateur Qualifier at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton, IL. The UI senior fired an opening round at even par 72 in his first time to ever play the entire course. A second round of 69 (-3) would bring his tournament total to 141 (-3), good for second place and a trip to the Championships.
“I’ve been playing pretty well these last couple of weeks,” India said. “My swing is coming along with my putting, which I was struggling with this past season, so that extra confidence definitely helps.”
Meanwhile, Kelpin finished in second at his respective qualifier for the second consecutive year. The junior from Kalamazoo, MI, carded a 137 (-7), along with Columbia’s Daniel Zuluaga, to earn a share of second place at The Moors Golf Club in Portage, MI.
With some local knowledge on the course, Kelpin capitalized on the par fives, finishing them at nine-under par after two rounds. He began with an opening round of 68 (-4). After struggling to begin his second round, Kelpin made the turn at nine and picked up a pair of eagles on the only two par five’s left for a second round of 69 (-3).
“I’m very familiar with this course from high school, so the local knowledge helped me gain confidence going in,” said Kelpin. “That feeling of being at home relaxed me and gave me peace of mind.”
Now, both Hawkeyes will need to turn their focus towards success at what is one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur championships in golf. The field will consist of 312 golfers competing in both stroke and match-play. Chambers Bay in University Place will host the competition before the low 64 move into a match-play bracket to be played on The Home Course in Dupont, WA.
“It’ll be important to have a lot of confidence going in the Championships,” added Kelpin. “You need to stay focused and can’t let the courses bother you because you will get bogies on the course. Whoever wins will have to stay mentally strong, ride the ups and downs and roll with the punches.”