University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: AP
Van Rooyen Ties for 17th at Open Championship
7/22/2018 3:21:00 PM | Men's Golf
MINNEAPOLIS – Erik van Rooyen made quite an impact in his first career major appearance. The former Minnesota men's golfer finished in a tie for 17th place at The Open Championship on the Carnoustie Championship Course in Scotland this weekend.
After making the cut and entering the weekend at 4-under-par, van Rooyen posted an even-par 71 to remain at 4-under through three rounds. He was 2-under through 11 holes Saturday, but bogeyed the 12th and 13th holes to fall back to even.
Another birdie on 14 got him back in the red, but he once again suffered back-to-back bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes. Fortunately, he responded with a birdie on the final hole of the day to end the third round on a positive note.
The fourth and final round could not have started much better for van Rooyen as he opened Sunday with back-to-back birdies to improve to 6-under and get within three shots of the lead. However, he gave one stroke back on No. 6 with a bogey, and ended the front nine with a double bogey on No. 9.
Van Rooyen fell further back with bogeys on 11 and 13, before rebounding with a birdie on 14. He bogeyed again on No. 16 but ended his fourth round like his third round with a birdie to finish 2-over for the day and 2-under for the tournament.
A native of Oudtshoorn, South Africa, van Rooyen was a three-time NCAA regional qualifier during his time with the Gophers, and thrice finished among the top-10 at the Big Ten Championships. He turned professional after his Gopher career concluded and has played overseas since, including 15 events on the European Tour this year.
This week I experienced something I've only ever dreamt about. To take on this golf course and to be part of this championship was an absolute pleasure and a week I'll always remember.… https://t.co/siMImEvYTc
— Erik van Rooyen (@FredVR_) July 22, 2018
After making the cut and entering the weekend at 4-under-par, van Rooyen posted an even-par 71 to remain at 4-under through three rounds. He was 2-under through 11 holes Saturday, but bogeyed the 12th and 13th holes to fall back to even.
Another birdie on 14 got him back in the red, but he once again suffered back-to-back bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes. Fortunately, he responded with a birdie on the final hole of the day to end the third round on a positive note.
The fourth and final round could not have started much better for van Rooyen as he opened Sunday with back-to-back birdies to improve to 6-under and get within three shots of the lead. However, he gave one stroke back on No. 6 with a bogey, and ended the front nine with a double bogey on No. 9.
The putts you need to make to give yourself a chance.@FredVR_ is three shots behind the leaders.#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/azMpFbQF3V
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 22, 2018
Van Rooyen fell further back with bogeys on 11 and 13, before rebounding with a birdie on 14. He bogeyed again on No. 16 but ended his fourth round like his third round with a birdie to finish 2-over for the day and 2-under for the tournament.
A native of Oudtshoorn, South Africa, van Rooyen was a three-time NCAA regional qualifier during his time with the Gophers, and thrice finished among the top-10 at the Big Ten Championships. He turned professional after his Gopher career concluded and has played overseas since, including 15 events on the European Tour this year.
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