Iowa One Stroke Behind Leader at LSU Invite

April 2, 2011

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Baton Rouge, La. – The University of Iowa men’s golf team is in second place after two rounds at the 12-team LSU National Invitational in Baton Rouge, La. The No. 10 Hawkeyes were in a three-way tie for first after an opening round of 295 (+7). Three of Iowa’s five student athletes equaled or improved on their opening round score in the afternoon to finish the second round with a five-over 293. Competition is being held on LSU’s par 72, 7,274-yard course at the University Club.

Senior Vince India led the Hawkeyes with a two-round total of 142 (-2). Ranked as the nation’s 11th-best collegiate golfer, India posted two birdies in the final five holes of his opening round to record a one-under 71. He continued strong with 13-consecutive holes at or under par to start his second round and closed out with another 71 (-1). India is tied for third-place with one round remaining.

Senior Brad Hopfinger and junior Chris Brant are tied for 12th after posting 18-hole totals of 149 (+5). Despite beginning the day with a pair of birdies after three holes, Hopfinger slowed down for an opening round score of 76 (+4). The Lake Forest, Ill., native showed why he is one of the top-50 competitors in the nation and responded with a second round of 73 (+1), firing 16 holes at or below par. Brant began the day with a consistent opening round of 74 (+2). Despite three birdies in a six-hole stretch on the back nine of his second round, Brant wasn’t able to overcome some early bogies and posted a second round of three-over 75.

Junior Barrett Kelpin finished the day tied for 22nd with a two-round total of 150 (+6). The Kalamazoo, Mich., native followed an opening round of two-over 74 with a second round of 76 (+4). Junior Jed Dirksen struggled with an opening round of six-over 78. The Hampton, Iowa, native straightened things out in the second round, posting an even par through his first six holes. With a sub-par stretch on his final six holes, Dirksen posted a second round of 74 (+2) and is tied for 28th with a one day total of 152 (+8).

The LSU National Invitational will conclude with the final 18 holes Sunday, April 2. The Hawkeyes will look to overtake Big Ten foe Michigan beginning at 8 a.m. (CT). Fans can follow the live action hole-by-hole at golfstat.com.

Team Results
1. Michigan 296-291=587 (+11)
2. Iowa 295-293=588 (+12)
3. LSU 295-294=589 (+13)
4. Chattanooga 297-298=595 (+19)
5. VCU 302-300=602 (+26)
6. Minnesota 295-308=603 (+27)
7. Iowa State 307-300=607 (+31)
Notre Dame 311-296=607 (+31)
9. Penn State 305-305=610 (+34)
10. Louisiana-Lafayette 306-305=611 (+35)
11. Boston College 318-321=639 (+63)
12. Centenary College 332-320=652 (+76)

Individual Results – Par 72 (Top 3 + Iowa)
1. Stephan Jaeger (Chattanooga) 70-67=137 (-7)
2. Alexander Sitompul (Michigan) 70-71=141 (-3)
T3. Vince India (Iowa) 71-71=142 (-2)
John Peterson (LSU) 72-70=142 (-2)
T12. Chris Brant (Iowa) 74-75=149 (+5)
Brad Hopfinger (Iowa) 76-73=149 (+5)
T22. Barrett Kelpin (Iowa) 74-76=150 (+6)
T28. Jed Dirksen (Iowa) 78-74=152 (+8)