Nov. 2, 2010
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Dallas, Tex. – – The University of Iowa men’s golf team was crowned champion of The Royal Oaks Intercollegiate after inclement weather cancelled Tuesday’s third and final round. The No. 17 Hawkeyes were in first place by five strokes after their day 36-hole score of 551 (-17). The Hawkeyes shot consistent scores of 276 and 275 over the first two rounds. No. 12 Texas A&M, the defending tournament champion, placed second (556, -12), while No. 10 Arkansas (564, -4) rounded out the top three.
Stormy conditions delayed play early Tuesday, but tournament officials decided to cancel the third round at 1 p.m. (CT). Tuesday’s scores were wiped out and the tournament ended at 36 holes, earning the Hawkeyes their fourth straight tournament title.
“With difficult conditions today, the guys came out and stayed tough,” said Head Coach Mark Hankins. “They were prepared to play until the last minute. Fortunately, we played well enough yesterday and built a big enough lead to earn a championship.”
Senior Vince India led the Hawkeyes and was the tournament medalist after firing a 10-under-par total of 132. India posted a pair of 66’s on Monday, recording 11 birdies.
“I felt like I had a good swing Monday and felt really relaxed with my approach,” said India. “I stayed in the present, played hole by hole and shot by shot and was able to put two solid rounds together.”
“We were prepared to play 18 holes in rain or poor conditions,” added India, on Tuesday’s conditions. “We’ve practiced in poor conditions in preparing for this event, so we weren’t concerned about that. We felt well prepared. This is a good victory to cap off a phenomenal fall for our team. I think we are looking forward to the break, but we will be anxious to pick up again in the spring.”
Brad Hopfinger also finished in the top 10 as his two-round total of 137 (-5) earned him a share of seventh place. The senior posted seven birdies and an eagle in route to first and second rounds of 68 (-3) and 69 (-2), respectively.
“I had a good day on Monday,” said Hopfinger. “I had a good first round to start the day. The second 18, I started a little slow and was one over after six or seven holes, but I was able to stay calm and finish strong with a two-under round.”
Juniors Chris Brant and Barrett Kelpin both contributed with 36-hole totals of 141 (-1), giving them a share of 16th place. Additionally, Brad George posted rounds of 76 (+5) and 74 (+3), to earn a share of 56th place. The junior posted a 36-hole total of 150 (+8).
With the championship at The Royal Oaks, the Hawkeyes close out a nearly perfect fall season. In just five starts, the Hawkeyes earned four team titles by an impressive 31 strokes. Still, Hankins will be the first to tell you that they can’t remain idle.
“We’re obviously going in on a high note, which we feel is deserved,” said Hankins. “You still don’t want to allow that to create complacency. We have some things we need to work on and improve on and we’re prepared to get those things accomplished this offseason.”
“This gives us a lot of confidence,” concluded Hopfinger. “But, we all know there is still work to be done in the spring.”
Iowa will have some time to work, as the Hawkeyes don’t return to the links until they travel to Scottsdale, AZ, for the Big Four Match-Play Championship Feb. 5.
Team Results
1. IOWA 276-275=551 (-17)
2. Texas A&M 279-277=556 (-12)
3. Arkansas 285-279=564 (-4)
4. Penn State 285-280=565 (-3)
SMU 285-280=565 (-3)
6. Texas Tech 289-278=567 (-1)
7. Oklahoma 283-287=570 (+2)
8. UNLV 280-292=572 (+4)
9. Baylor 292-284=576 (+8)
10. Lamar 293-286=579 (+11)
11. New Mexico 290-292=582 (+14)
12. Long Beach St. 296-294=590 (+22)
Individual Results – Par 71 (Top 3 + IOWA)
1. Vince India (UI) 66-66=132 (-10)
2. Conrad Shindler (A&M) 68-66=134 (-8)
3. Jordan Russell (A&M) 65-70=135 (-7)
T7. Brad Hopfinger (UI) 68-69=137 (-5)
T16. Chris Brant (UI) 69-72=141 (-1)
Barrett Kelpin (UI) 73-68=141 (-1)
T56. Brad George (UI) 76-74=150 (+8)