FROM AUBURNTIGERS.CSTV.COM
July 27, 2010

AUBURN - Rising Auburn sophomore Blayne Barber advanced to the 2010 U.S. Amateur after claiming medalist honors Tuesday at the Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

The Lake City, Fla., native shot 7-under through 36-holes for a three-stroke win over North Florida’s Sean Dale (140).  Currently ranked 25th in the Scratch Players World Amateur Golf Rankings, Barber returns to the U.S. Amateur after competing in the 2008 edition.
“I feel like I’ve been playing well all summer and that my game is coming together,“ said Barber.  “These two rounds were real smooth - nothing crazy.  Just solid golf.  Today I started out with three birdies after the first three holes which allowed me to settle in quickly.  It was a comfortable round.

“My goal over the next two years is to make the Walker Cup.  I’ve been trying to play all the big events I can.  Making it to the U.S. Amateur is a big help in reaching that goal.  I’m incredibly excited to have qualified.“

Barber redshirted the 2009-10 season after transferring from the University of Central Florida, was named to the 2008-09 Five-Man GCAA All-Freshman team and was a three-time Conference USA Golfer-of-the-Week.

Earning alternate status from the Wheaton, Ill., qualifier were incoming freshman Dan Stringfellow and rising junior Kyle Kopsick.  The pair tied for fifth at 1-under.

Also earning alternate status from the Orlando, Fla., sectional was incoming transfer Michael Hebert at 1-under.

The 2010 U.S. Amateur is set for August 23-29 at the Chambers Bay Golf Course in Tacoma, Wash.  Complete U.S. Amateur information and qualifying results can be found at http://www.USGA.com.