By Colleen Kane
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Defending champion David Allan blasts out of bunker on the fourth fairway at the Oasis Golf Club in Loveland during qualifying for the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association Metropolitan Amateur Championship Monday afternoon. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

David Allan didn't start the Met like the defending champion Monday, and he said his swing definitely didn't feel winning. His experience, however, helped him remain in the running for a second crown.

"My golf swing has been awful lately - as bad as I've hit probably since I went to college, but the only difference is now I'm a little more experienced," the 23-year-old Allan said. "I can kick it around a little and find something that works. I tried to shorten it up and keep it in play."

Allan shot 4-over on the first five holes, but rebounded to finish in the top seven at 2-under 70.

The comeback included an eagle on hole No. 15 and birdies on 7, 9, 11, 12 and a tough 18.

Kevin Hall, a senior at Ohio State, shot an impressive 66 to lead the Oasis group. John Hoh shot 69 to lead a higher-scoring Triple Crown pack. The 19-year-old, who played at McNicholas in 2001-02, usually shoots in the mid-70s, his dad, Sam, said.

"He won't even tell us what he shot. I think he doesn't want to wake up from the dream," Sam Hoh said. "I think he's trying to hide from the pressure."

The low 70 at each course advance to today's second qualifying round, from which the top 32 players will be chosen for Wednesday's match play. Oasis cut off at 81, Triple Crown at 83.

Allan had a home course behind him Monday. The 2002 graduate of DePauw took a job in the golf shop at Oasis after winter golf in Phoenix. He needed a place to play to prepare for turning pro at the end of summer.

"I called every place looking for a job, just so I could play," Allan said. "I was planning on (turning pro) earlier, but I don't think I'm good enough yet. And hitting the ball like that, there's no way I'd make it down there."

He knows he could be challenged even more at Triple Crown.

"Triple Crown is a little bit harder to get around. It's a little tighter," Allan said. "If I hit like that tomorrow, I've got no chance. ...The relief will be after tomorrow."