Ball State University Athletics
Men's Golfer Advances; Alum Wins Open Qualifier
May 12, 2009 | Men's Golf
Anthony Novak, a sophomore member of the Ball State University men's golf team this past season, shot a 70 at the U.S. Open local qualifier in South Bend, Ind., to advance to sectional play.
The top four players from the South Bend qualifier advanced to sectional play and a chance to qualify for the U.S. Open June 18-21 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y. Novak will compete in sectional play at the Golf Club of Purchase in Purchase, N.Y., May 25.
The South Bend Qualifier medalist was former Ball State golfer, Scott Pieri, who shot a two-under par 68. Pieri played golf for former Ball State head coach Earl Yestingsmeier and was a college teammate of current Cardinals' head coach Mike Fleck from 1987-90. Pieri was a club professional at Chestnut Hills in Fort Wayne for 13 years from 1991-97 and 1999-2003. He qualified for three PGA Tour events in 1997 ? the Western Open, Buick Open and Milwaukee Open. He regained his amateur status in 2006 and that year reached the final four at the Western Amateur.
Novak's 70 tied with former Notre Dame golfer Mark Baldwin and University of Indianapolis sophomore Blair Webb to fill out the top four spots.
Novak was named Ball State's Most Improved Golfer this season after finishing the year with a 76.11 average. Novak posted two top-20 finishes, including a victory at the Ball State Cardinal Collegiate at Sultan's Run Golf Course in Jasper, Ind.
Earning one of two alternate spots with a two-over par 72 was former Ball State golfer Mat Blair. Blair, who had four birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey, is the director of instruction at Briar Leaf Golf Club in LaPorte, and a former player for Yestingsmeier and teammate of Coach Fleck.
Players Mentioned
