Jim Volpenhein tees off on No. 2. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        BURLINGTON, Ky. - Two bogeys and two double-bogeys might have doomed many players' chances in the Metropolitan Amateur Championship. But six-time Met champ Jim Volpenhein also hit seven birdies — including four in the first six holes — to finish 1 under par Tuesday on his home course, Traditions Golf Club.

        His total after the two qualifying rounds was 144 — good for a second-place tie. Volpenhein edged former Reds pitcher Tom Browning, who also had a 144, for the No. 2 seed in match play because Volpenhein had the earlier finish Tuesday. Medalist Jim Ebel earned the No.1 seed with a 7-under-par 65 Monday and a 72 Tuesday.

        “I didn't want to be medalist because they have to tee off at 7:30, and I'm not a morning person,” Volpenhein said. “My ideal time would be one of the last tee times.”

        He will tee off at 8:50 a.m. today against T.J. Wilson.

        Volpenhein holds the course record, 64, and is the reigning club champion, complete with his personalized parking space out front.

        “It should be (an advantage),” he said. “It's a lot of pressure this week. Everybody's saying, "They ought to just give it to you.'”

        The home course and the six Met championships also paint a target on his back.

        “After you win one, everyone wants to knock off the champion,” Volpenhein said.

        Volpenhein consistently outdrove the other players in his group Tuesday, but his long ball is not the best part of his game, he said.

        “I might not have the best golf swing in the world, but I hate to lose,” Volpenhein said.

        After his double-bogey on the 17th hole, he tossed his ball into the lake. He also had double-bogeyed No.9 and bogeyed Nos.3 and 7.

        “I've been in six finals and never lost in the final round. Some people just find a way to win, and I'd like to think that I have that,” he said.

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