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Last modified: Wednesday, June 24, 2009

David Erdy: Indiana University and the 109th U.S. Open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2009

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Less than 72 hours after completing his second round at the 109th U.S. Open, 19-year-old David Erdy was back at it again, teeing off in Peru, Ind., for the -- coincidentally -- 109th Indiana Amateur. His love for the game of golf is obvious, as was his love for Indiana University at the U.S. Open in Bethpage Black, New York, with Erdy sporting his Cream and Crimson gear for much of the PGA major tournament.

David Erdy

IU golfer David Erdy

Print-Quality Photo

"I just love representing IU," said Erdy when asked about his choice to don an IU polo shirt. "I love being a part of it -- the program, the school, the town -- it's all great."

Erdy missed the cut in the U.S. Open, but he is a rising star and a sophomore on the IU men's golf team. He hales from nearby Boonville, Ind., and played at Castle High School, less than a three-hour drive to the IU Bloomington campus. Becoming a Hoosier was not always the plan, however, as he did not meet IU Head Coach Mike Mayer until late in the recruiting process.

"I was mulling over several other schools that wanted me to play there when I sat down and talked to Coach Mayer, and he explained all that Indiana had to offer," said Erdy. "I really liked Coach Mayer from the start, he seemed like a very nice guy and had a true understanding of the game."

Some other factors in his decision to become a Hoosier included IU's state-of-the-art practice facility, chemistry with his future IU teammates, and several potential opportunities available in Bloomington.

"It was an ideal situation for me," said Erdy. "I knew there was a chance I could jump right into the line-up and compete with a team that had a legitimate shot at winning a national championship.

"Also, the opportunity to play alongside a guy like Jorge Campillo (a two-time All-American at IU and a '09 Ben Hogan Award Finalist) was huge. I knew anything I could learn from him would be beneficial for my game."

With Erdy's decision to play for Indiana, schools such as Illinois, Wisconsin and Charlotte missed out on not only a great student-athlete, but also a great representative for their school.

The notoriously large spectator galleries at Bethpage Black took notice of Erdy's school pride as well. After Erdy buried a 35-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole of his final round, a feat he called the 'highlight of his week at the U.S. Open,' the fans began to chant in unison, "Hoo Hoo Hoosiers, Hoo Hoo Hoosiers!" recognizing the young amateur sporting his IU gear.

"That was incredible," said Erdy. "The crowds out there were amazing all week long, but that was unbelievable to hear them all do the Hoosier chant together."

Indiana's walking billboard out in New York says humbly he "is just lucky to be a part of IU." The feeling is mutual.

--

David Erdy improved by four strokes in his second round at the US Open on Saturday. Erdy shot a four-over 74 after carding a 78 in the opening round.

The Boonville, Ind., native saved his best golf for last. In his final nine holes, which was the front nine after beginning his round on the 10th tee, Erdy had a clean scorecard with two birdies and seven pars en route to a 33.

At the completion of the two rounds, Erdy was tied with Padraig Harrington for 137th place. At plus-12, he finished ahead of 17 competitors including former US Open champions Ernie Els ( 15) and Michael Campbell ( 16).