Sept. 11, 2011
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IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa men’s golf team currently sits in fifth place of 14 teams after 36-holes of play today at the Golden Gopher Invitational. Led by Seniors Barrett Kelpin (2nd) and Chris Brant (T-7th), the Hawkeyes posted 18-hole team scores of 294 (+6) and 295 (+7) for a two round total of 589 (+13). Notre Dame currently leads the field with a score of 577 (+1). Competition is being held on Minnesota’s par-72, 7,020-yard Spring Hill Golf Course in Wayzata, Minn.
“We are fairly familiar with this course and it produced scores that we expected from the field today,” said Head Coach Mark Hankins. “Barrett and Chris were ready to compete today and took full advantage of their experience and the course’s perfect conditions.”
Kelpin is leading the Black and Gold with a two-round mark of four-under par 140. Competing from Iowa’s number one position, Kelpin carded 32 holes at even par or better, with nine holes in the red. After an excellent first round of three-under par 69, Kelpin backed it up with another under par round of 71. He is one stroke behind current leader and Notre Dame junior Paul McNamara.
“Barrett let the round come to him,” said Hankins. “He was patient and managed his game very well today. He’s familiar with the course and I think that helped him get comfortable and shoot two good rounds.”
Brant is currently tied for seventh with a two-round mark of 145 (+1). The Edwardsville, Ill., native was tied for third after 18-holes, carding an opening round of two-under par 70. Brant posted a second round of 75 (+3) and fired seven birdies on the day.
Sophomore Steven Ihm finished the day in a tie for 20th place with a score of 148 (+4). In his debut as a Hawkeye, Ihm carded identical rounds of 74 (+2). Of his seven birdies on the day, three consecutive birdies came on holes 16, 17 and 18 to close his front side of the opening round.
Senior Brad George rebounded from a tough first round to finish the day tied for 56th place with a 36-hole total of 156 (+12). After a first round score of 81 (+9), the Marion, Iowa, native fired a solid second round of 75 (+3). Also in his first start as a Hawkeye, freshman Ian Vandersee posted a 36-hole total of 165 (+21) and is in 71st place.
Tee times for Monday’s final round begin at 8:30 a.m. (CT). Fans can follow the action live at the tournament central page found HERE.