Haas-led U.S. contingent wins Palmer Cup
7/19/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
July 19, 2002
Doonbeg, IRELAND - Wake Forest golfer Bill Haas led the United States to its second straight Palmer Cup title, going undefeated and providing the clinching victory in the match play event last weekend in Doonbeg, Ireland. The annual event pits the top eight collegiate golfers from the United States against their counterparts from Great Britain and Ireland. The Palmer Cup is named in honor of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, who also played collegiate golf at WFU.
The U.S. defeated GB & I by a score of 15.5 to 8.5 at the Doonbeg Golf Club. It marked the first time in the history of the event the United States golfers posted a victory on foreign soil. Overall the U.S. now leads the series four wins, one loss and one tie.
Haas, a rising junior for the Demon Deacons, was the only player from either team to go undefeated a with a perfect 4-0 record. Haas secured the American victory with a 2-up victory over GB&I??s Oliver Wilson in the final match.
Haas was also the U.S. recipient of the Michael Carter Memorial Award. The award is named in memory of former Penn State golfer Michael Carter, who was killed in an automobile accident in February, and presented to the player from each team that ??best represents Carter, who lived his life to the fullest and loved the game of golf as much as he loved life.??
The United States team consisted of Haas, Ryan Hybl (Georgia), John Klauk (Texas), Hunter Mahan (Oklahoma State), Troy Matteson (Georgia Tech), D.J. Trahan (Clemson), Nick Watney (Fresno State) and Lee Williamson (Purdue) and was coached by Chris Haack of Georgia.
Complete results from the Palmer Cup matches are available on the Golf Coaches Assocation of America website (www.collegiategolf.com). A tape-delayed highlight show will be broadcast on The Golf Channel on a date to be announced.