Oct. 23, 2011
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Sophomore Steven Ihm is in fourth place through one round of the U.S Collegiate Championship as the University of Iowa men’s golf team is in eighth place in the 14-team field. Iowa posted a first round of 293 (+5). Southern California and Auburn both own a share of the lead with first round team totals of 282 (-6). In its sixth year, the U.S. Collegiate Championship is being played on the par-72 Lakeside Course at The Golf Club of Georgia in Alpharetta, Ga.
“We handled our nerves and busted off some rust today,” said Head Coach Mark Hankins. “The weather was perfect which allowed us to settle in and find some rhythm on the back nine today.”
Ihm began with a birdie on the par-5, first hole and picked up another pair of birdies on the front nine. A bogie on the par-4, 10th hole brought Ihm back to two-under, but back-to-back birdies on the 13th and 14th put Ihm at four-under par. The Peosta, Iowa, native posted four pars to close out an opening round of four-under par 68, two strokes out of the lead.
Senior Barrett Kelpin posted a solid first round of even par 72. He also started off the day with a birdie on the opening hole. Kelpin erased a sixth-hole bogie with a birdie on seven and made the turn one-under par. A couple bogies put him above par but a birdie on the par-3, 13th brought him back to even par. With five pars to close out his round, Kelpin sits in a tie for 21st place with two rounds to play.
“Steven and Barrett played well all day,” said Hankins. “They stayed patient and took advantage of some of the birdie holes.”
Senior Chris Brant is currently tied for 43rd place with a first round mark of 75 (+3). He posted 13 pars on the day but found bogie four different times. Brant ended the day with a birdie on the par-5, 18th hole that brought him back to three-over par.
Freshman Ian Vandersee is tied for 67th place with an 18-hole total of 78 (+6) while senior Brad George carded a 79 (+7) and is tied for 70th.
“We need to continue to learn about the golf course, trust our preparation and game plan and let tomorrow’s round come to us,” added Hankins. “As always, each guy needs to play to be our top finisher, compete individually and let the team score take care of itself.”
The U.S. Collegiate Championship is scheduled for one round Monday morning followed by the final round on Tuesday, both beginning with tee times at 8 a.m. (CT). Fans can follow all of the action on the tournament central page at theuscc.org. Tune in to the page for a live webcast of the final round beginning at 1 p.m. (CT) Tuesday afternoon