Iowa Amateur: Elliot eyes 2nd crown

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (July 25, 2011) -- Gene Elliott has won one Iowa Amateur, in 2000 at Ottumwa Country Club. He has put himself in a great spot after one round to win his second. The decorated mid-amateur fired a four-under par 67 on his home course, Glen Oaks Country Club, in the first round of the 109th edition of the championship. His round featured mostly steady play highlighted by a terrific stretch on holes 4 thru 9. Elliott birdied 4, 7, 8 and 9 to make the turn in 31. He then held serve with a bogey and a birdie on the back to finish with 67. Elliott is two clear of Dennis Bull of West Des Moines who birdied 8 and 9, his final two holes of the day, to shoot 69. Also within striking distance is Jon Olson of Ankeny who finished at 1-under 70. Olson has already won the Iowa Mid-Amateur and the IGA Match Play and is looking to make the unprecedented sweep this week. Perennial contenders J.D. Anderson and Mike Oimoen also had rounds of 70 and figure to make a run before the championship concludes.