Sept. 21, 2010
Burlington, IA – The University of Iowa Men’s golf team won Golfweek’s second annual Conference Challenge as junior Chris Brant and senior Vince India shared medalist honors. The Hawkeyes carded a final round of 280 (-8) to claim the tournament title with a three-round total of 833 (-31). North Carolina finished 15 strokes back in second place with a score of 848 (-16) while Liberty rounded out the top three with a score of 855 (-9). Competition was held on Spirit Hollow Golf Course in Burlington, IA.
“I’m just please that we could come out get such a large lead,” said Head Coach Mark Hankins. “Not to only do that, but to follow it up with two great rounds. To have three full rounds under par, I couldn’t be happier with our guys. We’re out there to try and win championships and we got one, so we’re obviously very pleased.”
India held the lead through round two, but Brant’s final round of 67 (-5) moved him into a share of first place with his teammate. India recorded a final round of 70 (-2) as the two finished with tournament totals of 206 (-10).
“I snuck in a par right at the turn and got a quick look at the leader board,” said India. “I wasn’t surprised to see Brant doing well, so I knew I needed to keep working. I just tried to keep wedging balls close and I made a couple birdies down the stretch which helped me out.”
Brad Hopfinger shot a closing round of 76 (+4) as the senior finished tied for 15th. The Lake Forest, IL, native recorded a 54-hole total of 213 (-3). Barrett Kelpin’s final round at one-under par 71 brought his tournament total to 218 (+2). The junior finished tied for 26th. Junior Brad George tied his tournament best with a round at even par 72. The Marion, IA, native finished tied for 33rd with a score of 220 (+4).
“This tournament definitely points to what we can do down the stretch this year and into the fall,” added Brant. “Any guy can shoot any number and that’s going to lead to success.”
The Black and Gold will return to action with the Fighting Irish Golf Classic Sept. 27-28. Competition will be held on Warren Golf Course in Notre Dame, IN.
Team Results
1. IOWA 268-285-280=833 (-31)
2. North Carolina St. 283-289-276=848 (-16)
3. Liberty 289-295-271=855 (-9)
4. New Mexico 288-285-285=858 (-6)
5. Baylor 285-288-286=859 (-5)
6. Campbell 289-283-289=861 (-3)
7. San Francisco 292-291-287=870 (+6)
8. Southeastern Louisiana 287-297-289=871 (+7)
9. Middle Tennessee St. 294-291-287=872 (+8)
10. East Carolina 290-307-285=882 (+18)
11. UC-Irvine 297-298-289=884 (+20)
12. Nevada 299-290-298=887 (+23)
13. Eastern Michigan 298-288-304=890 (+26)
14. Furman 300-303-295=898 (+34)
15. VCU 306-301-296=903 (+39)
Individual Results – Par 72 (Top 3 + Iowa)
1. Chris Brant (UI) 64-75-67=206 (-10)
Vince India (UI) 70-66-70=206 (-10)
3. Brandon Detweiler (NC St.) 69-71-67=207 (-9)
T15. Brad Hopfinger (UI) 65-72-76=213 (-3)
T26. Barrett Kelpin (UI) 69-78-71=218 (+2)
T33. Brad George (UI) 76-72-72=220 (+4)