For the second straight season, the IU men's golf team will be represented at the United States Open. Senior Alex Martin survived 36 holes of qualifying and a six person playoff for five spots to earn his way to the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.
Martin was the only amateur to take home one of the 15 spots available at the Columbus, Ohio, sectional qualifying site. The 120 player field included many PGA Tour players including 1997 PGA Champion Davis Love III, who also qualified via the six person playoff.
An opening round of two-under par 70 put Martin on the outside of the cut line Monday morning. An afternoon round of five-under par 67 gave him a 137 total and put him into the playoff. For the 36 holes, Martin carded nine birdies and two bogeys.
The 2010 U.S. Open will take place from June 17-20 and returns to Pebble Beach for the first time since Tiger Woods' 15 stroke victory in 2000.
Last year, sophomore David Erdy played in the U.S. Open at Bethpage Golf Course in Farmingdale, N.Y.
Stay tuned to www.idsnews.com for some quotes from Martin and Coach Mike Mayer.
