IPFW's Drew Imel Earns US Amateur Bid

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - IPFW senior Drew Imel earned one of three qualifying bids at the Warren Golf Club to advance to the 2012 United States Golf Association (USGA) U.S. Amateur Championships at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado.

Throughout its history, the U.S. Amateur has been the most coveted of all amateur titles. Many of the great names of professional golf, such as Gene Littler, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lanny Wadkins, Craig Stadler, Jerry Pate, Mark O'Meara, Hal Sutton, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods, grace the Havemeyer Cup, given to the U.S. Amateur Champion.

"What a great accomplishment," said IPFW head men's golf coach Billy King . "The U.S. Amateur has a long history and only the best of the best get an opportunity to participate. Drew's hard work is paying off, and I couldn't be prouder as his coach. This could be the best thing to happen to our program, and will springboard us to bigger and greater things. It's a great time to be part of IPFW men's golf."

Imel, who tied for second of 68 total competitors, opened the round with a 69 before carding a 73 to clinch his bid. Kramer Hickok, who plays collegiately at the University of Texas, was the tournament medalist with a 135, while Imel tied with Adam Schenk, who plays for Purdue University.

The Championship event is a match-play tournament, and is scheduled for August 13-19.

The Championship course, Cherry Hills Country Club, has carved out a distinction for being one of the country's top championship venues. The course will be set up at 7,432 yards, and will play to a par of 71 (35-36). The companion course, CommonGround Golf Course, will be set up at 7,351 yards, and will play to a par of 70 (36-34).