Feb. 5, 2011
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CHANDLER, AZ – The University of Iowa men’s golf team began spring play with a second place exhibition finish at the Big 4 Match Play Challenge Feb. 5 in Chandler, AZ. The Hawkeyes picked up a 5-1 win over Drake in the first round and fell to Iowa State, 2-4, in the championship round. Competition was held on the par 71 Lone Tree Golf Course.
Senior Vince India led the way in the opening round, winning his match with a three-under par 68. Junior Jed Dirksen also won his match with a 69, two-under. Junior Brad George fired an even par to win his match while juniors Chris Brant and Barrett Kelpin won their matches, each firing a 72 (+1). Iowa’s only loss in the match came from senior Brad Hopfinger who posted an 18-hole total of 73 (+2).
Due to a late morning start, the championship round against Iowa State ran out of daylight and was forced to end after 16 holes, where the Cyclones were ahead four matches to two. Dirksen and George both got their second wins on the day, and the only championship wins for the Black and Gold. Dirksen was two-under par after 16 while George was one-under. Despite a one-under performance from Kelpin, the Kalamazoo, MI, native lost his match up. India recorded 16 holes at even par but lost his match. Brant and Hopfinger each lost in the final round with scores of two and four-over par, respectively.
The Hawkeyes will begin spring competition Feb. 11 at the two-day Big Ten Match Play Championships in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The conference will compete on The Champion course at the PGA National Resort and Spa. The event will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
First Round Iowa Scores (Par 71)
1. Vince India 68 (W)
2. Brad Hopfinger 73 (L)
3. Chris Brant 72 (W)
4. Barrett Kelpin 72 (W)
5. Brad George 71 (W)
6. Jed Dirksen 69 (W)
Final: Iowa 5 – Drake 1
First Round Iowa Scores (Par 71)
1. Vince India E (L)
2. Brad Hopfinger +4 (L)
3. Chris Brant +2 (L)
4. Barrett Kelpin -1 (L)
5. Brad George -1 (W)
6. Jed Dirksen -2 (W)
Final: Iowa 2 – ISU 4