Today, I was able to catch up with a busy Alex Martin who qualified for the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Monday
Here are some brief comments from the All-Big Ten golfer about the U.S. Open:
-On playing in a U.S Open qualifier and playing 36 holes in one day: "Different experience, playing with Rocco Mediate (runner-up to Tiger Woods at 2008 U.S. Open) and he helped me stay calm throughout the day with how talkative he was."
-After shooting a seven-under par 137 for the 36 holes, Martin was in a six man playoff for five spots that lasted three holes: "All of us parred the first three holes and then Rocco made bogey on the third playoff hole."
-On playing in the Columbus qualifier that included over 30 PGA Tour players and 120 players total for 15 spots: "The numbers to make it out are usually more consistent and the courses up there (Columbus) fit my game a little better."
-On how he felt his game was coming into Monday's qualifier: "I felt like I had been playing well for the last month now. Besides a bad first round at the NCAA Central Regional I played pretty solid there too. I just went out there and knew if I played well there I would be close."
-On IU having a golfer in the U.S. Open for the second consecutive year (sophomore David Erdy played in last year's U.S. Open at Bethpage State Golf Course): "I talked to David right after it happened and he told me to go out there and enjoy it. I think it is an awesome thing that two of us have made it in the last two years and I think it just shows how strong our golf team actually is.
-On his plans for the next week and a half before the U.S. Open on June 17-20: "We are leaving this Sunday for Pebble Beach and we have the travel arrangements set up and everything. It's been a whirlwind last 24 hours and I'm still trying to decompress from what is going on."
Stay tuned to Thursday's edition of the IDS for an article recapping Martin's qualifier and quotes from IU coach Mike Mayer.
