Martin prepares for US Open qualifying

Six years ago, IU men’s golf coach Mike Mayer flew halfway across the country to watch a junior golfer named Alex Martin compete in the United States Junior Amateur.

Little did Mayer know that he was watching a future direct admit into the Kelley School of Business, a player who would compete in three NCAA Tournaments for IU, and a two-time All-Big Ten selection.

Thursday marks Martin’s return to the Golden Coast, this time closing the book on his amateur career as he plays his first tournament as a professional at Pebble Beach Golf Course in the U.S. Open.

“We thought he was going to turn pro either later this fall or early spring, but obviously the U.S. changed that thought process a little bit,” Mayer said. “I think Alex felt it was in his best interest to turn pro before this tournament.”

Martin’s quest for Pebble Beach began May 17 when he shot 68 and finished second in the local qualifying site in Cincinnati.

In the final stage of sectional qualifying, Martin’s two-round total of seven-under-par 137 put him in a six-man playoff for five spots, which he survived to make it to Pebble Beach.

Martin’s first tee shot as a professional will come at 12:12 p.m. Thursday when he tees off with Kent Eger and Jon Curran.

The field of 156 players will be cut to 60 after Friday’s second round.

The final round of the U.S. Open will fall on Father’s Day, and Martin is hoping to provide his father, Grant, with a special present.

“It’s a great father-son situation,” Mayer said. “Alex is turning pro and his dad gets to be on his bag at Pebble.”

Even though Mayer will be at home watching his senior captain, he believes Pebble Beach is a course that suits Martin’s eye.

“I think the golf course fits him extremely well,” Mayer said. “Once again, this is the U.S. Open, and it’s like no other situation Alex has ever been in or ever seen.”

Pebble Beach is perennially ranked at the top of the best golf courses in the world. Past U.S. Open champions there include Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods.

“What a remarkable experience, and what a once in a lifetime experience, playing the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach,” Mayer said. “(Martin’s) first professional event is the U.S. Open, and not too many people in the world get to do that.”