Bull leaves no doubt, wins 118th Iowa Amateur by six at DCC
Dennis Bull, of Norwalk, knew his game was in good form coming into this week at the 118th Iowa Amateur. Bull left no doubt who the best player in the field was at Davenport Country Club, winning by six shots, shooting 203 (-7).
“Coming into this week I had been playing really well,” Bull said. “Honestly I hit it awesome this week. I really had control of the ball and drove it well all three days.”
Bull (pictured above), who would post three rounds of the championship under-par, admitted he wasn’t confident with his putter to start the day.
“Today, I hate to admit it, but I was nervous with the putter most of the day,” Bull said. “I had a lot of opportunities but didn’t make any of them, other than a par putt on #5. I knew I had a cushion on #18 and was able to relax and make a putt (for birdie). I was really happy with the way I played today.”
New Sharon’s Trent Lindenman gave chase early, make the turn in 32 (-4) to put some pressure on Bull. Bull, who made a healthy dose of pars before birding the ninth hole, had a feeling someone might give give a run to start the day and make a move on his lead. Unfortunately, Lindenman could not keep up the pace and lost steam on the back nine of DCC.
“Obviously someone is going to make a run,” Bull said. “I just tried to stay patient and hit greens. I tried not to make mistakes coming in. There are some pins out here you just can’t go at.”
Connor Peck, of Ankeny, winner of the 2020 IGA Match Play finished runner-up. Peck posted a three-round total of 209 (-1). Griffen Parker, of Urbandale, and Lindenman would finish in a tie for third place at 211 (+1). Bull commented that the ‘young guys’ he continues to see at events are impressive and he took notice again this week.
“I am impressed with all these young guys I play with,” Bull said. “They are more patient and mature than I was (at that age).”
Bull, who worked at DCC several years ago, said he was able to use that experience from getting the chance to play the course occasionally to his advantage.,
“I have played here (at DCC) 15-20 times here prior to this event,” Bull said. “I worked the cart barn out here one or two nights a week (several years ago), so I could play out here.”
Bull, who won the 2019 Iowa Mid-Amateur, adds the Iowa Amateur title to his record, which also includes qualifying for several USGA events.
It’s safe to say, Bull will be charging hard at Iowa Golf Association events for years to come.