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Miami golfer Drobnick qualifies for U.S. Amateur tournament

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By Castle Arnold, Contributing Writer 10:18 AM Thursday, August 19, 2010

OXFORD — Senior Michael Drobnick, a golfer for the Miami RedHawks, recently qualified for the U.S. Amateur Tournament.

Drobnick had a runner-up performance in the local qualifier July 26 in Cleveland and took one of the four spots to compete in the tournament.

Drobnick began playing golf when he was just 5 years old with his father and grandfather.

“I used a plastic club, which kind of got me started and then I started playing in a junior league with 6 or  7 year olds,” Drobnick said.

And he’s been playing every since.

“I like how you’re on your own,” Drobnick said. “You’re by yourself so every mistake you make you can put on yourself, there is no one to blame but yourself.”

When looking at colleges, golf was a priority and it came down to choosing between Bowling Green, Ohio State and Miami.

“I met some of the guys on the team and the coach that was there at the time and it wasn’t that tough of a decision after I made my visit,” Drobnick said.

Drobnick has had a successful career so far at Miami with an average score of 74.5. His best so far in college is a 66 that he scored his sophomore year versus Purdue.

“He is one of the most athletic kids I have coached in over six years,” said Casey Lubahn, the men’s varsity golf coach. “He is a hard worker and a great human being and when combined, you’re going to get good results.”

A total 312 golfers will be participating in the U.S. Amateur Tournament, four or five qualifiers from each state. The top 64 will advance to the next round to determine the United States Amateur National Champion for 2010.

“The biggest part for me will be controlling my nerves,” Drobnick said. “If I play well, I can compete with anyone, but it’s being able to control your nerves and the hype of everything.”

The first round will be Aug. 23-24 at the Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Washington. Each golfer will play 18 holes each day.

Michael Drobnick

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