Wake Forest University
NCAA Austin Regional
Zalatoris Qualifies for NCAA Championships
5/17/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
By Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeMGolf)
AUSTIN, Texas – The Wake Forest men's golf team concluded the NCAA Austin Regional with a final round rally at the University of Texas Golf Club Wednesday that left it just outside qualification for the NCAA Championships. The Demon Deacons shot 8-under during the final day to finish the tournament in sixth place at 11-over par, four shots out of the fifth and final qualifying place.
Will Zalatoris, the ACC Player of the Year, advanced to the NCAA Championships as an individual, posting a 3-under par total of 210, which was the lowest among players on non-qualifying teams.
The Demon Deacons' Wednesday total of 276 was their lowest round in a NCAA Regional since 2005, but they couldn't overcome shooting 19-over during the first two rounds.
"These young men played like champions today and I am proud of this group," said head coach Jerry Haas. "The unfortunate thing is that one of the best teams in the country won't be at the NCAA Championships and I take responsibility for that. Your whole season comes down to three days and it doesn't matter if you had a great season or if you barely qualified, those 54 holes are all that matter. No other NCAA sport is like that. This group won three events and had five players make the Dean's List this spring, yet our season is over. I am so disappointed that they won't be playing next week for a national title. I am happy for Will that he will get to compete as an individual at the NCAAs."
Zalatoris shot a final round 2-under 69 to finish tied for fifth on the individual leaderboard at 3-under for the tournament.
Lee Detmer led Wake Forest on Wednesday with a final round 65, tying the lowest round by a Demon Deacon at a NCAA Regional. Kyle Reifers set the record with a first round 65 at the 2005 NCAA East Regional in Nashville, Tenn.
Cameron Young and Eric Bae each shot a final round 71, while Paul McBride rounded out the lineup with a 1-over 72.
Zalatoris will conclude the season at the NCAA Championships, held May 26-29 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill. Final round coverage of the tournament will be on Golf Channel.
Players Mentioned
