Straka Twins Featured in Red and Black

Sepp Straka appeared in three tournaments for the Bulldogs this fall

The Red and Black featured Bulldog freshmen golfers, Sam and Sepp Straka, in a story about being siblings and teammates here in Athens.

To read the story, click here:
http://redandblack.com/2011/12/08/golf-twins-different-players-own-distinct-styles/

Bulldogs Earn PGA Tour Cards

Brendon Todd claimed medalist honors at PGA Tour Q-School

Thanks to a final round 68, Brendon Todd captured medalist honors at PGA Tour Q-School on Monday and will be back on the PGA Tour, where he played in 2009.  Todd will be joined on tour in 2012 by three other Bulldogs who also earned their cards at Q-School.  Brian Harman, Kevin Kisner, and Harris English finished inside the top 25 to cap an impressive week of golf by former Bulldog golfers.  Kisner will be returning to the PGA Tour in 2012, while Harman and English will be rookies.  English will be the only PGA Tour member in 2012 that played college golf the previous year.

At the beginning of the final round, there were 6 former Bulldogs who had a chance to secure their spot on the PGA Tour in 2012.  While four Bulldogs earned their cards, Scott Parel finished one shot shy of his PGA Tour card and Hudson Swafford finished two shots shy.  Both Parel and Swafford will have full playing privileges on the Nationwide Tour in 2012.  Parel last played the Nationwide Tour full time in 2008 and Swafford will be a rookie in his first full year as a professional.

Richard Scott will have status on the Nationwide Tour for the first time in 2012 thanks to finishing 111th at Q-School.  Paul Claxton finished 129th, but will have full Nationwide status in 2012 thanks to finishing 40th on the Nationwide Tour money list in 2011.

GolfChannel.com featured former Bulldog golfers Brendon Todd, Kevin Kisner, Brian Harman, Harris English, and Hudson Swafford in an article about the success of UGA Golf on the professionsl level.  To read the article, click here:
http://www.golfchannel.com/news/rex-hoggard/final-day-pga-tour-q-school/

One Round to Go at Q-School Finals

Hudson Swafford is one of six Bulldogs in position to get their PGA Tour cards at Q-School

With the final 18 of 108 holes left to be played, there are 6 Bulldogs in the top 28 at the finals of PGA Tour Q-School. 
Harris English and Brendon Todd are both tied for 3rd place at 13 under par.  They are followed by Brian Harman who is tied for 5th at 11 under, Scott Parel in 13th at 9 under, and Kevin Kisner and Hudson Swafford who are both tied for 24th at 7 under par.  The top 25 finishers and ties will earn PGA Tour cards for 2012. 
Swafford made a big move Sunday going from 68th to 24th, thanks to a 65 on the Stadium Course.  Brian Harman continued his move up the leaderboard, with a 68 that took him from 10th to 5th.

Paul Claxton currently sits in 122nd at 5 over and Richard Scott is in 132nd at 6 over par.  Players finishing outside the top 25 will earn Nationwide Tour status.  Claxton already has full Nationwide Tour status thanks to finishing 40th on the 2011 money list. 

The final round of Q-School can be watched live on The Golf Channel today from 3:30 - 7:00 and can also be followed live at PGATour.com:
http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/leaderboard/

Dawg Days at Q-School Finals



Harris English currently sits in a tie for 2nd at Q-School

 The second round of PGA Tour Q-School included 40 mph winds and some stellar rounds from former Bulldogs.  Harris English moved into a tied for 2nd place with a bogey free round of 67 while Kevin Kisner remained in the top 10 with a round of 71.  Brendon Todd managed to record 9 birdies during his round of 68 that moved him from 87 to a tie for 15th and Brian Harman moved from 43 to 21st with a round of 71.

Espn.com writer Ferrel Evans wrote an article about Harris English and Hudson Swafford competing in their first Q-School and being paired together in the first two rounds of the final stage.  Read the article by clicking here:
http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/7302183/harris-english-hudson-swafford-hunt-job-pga-tour-q-school

 The top 25 players at the end of the 6 rounds will earn full playing privileges on the PGA Tour in 2012.



Here is how the 9 Bulldogs in the field stack up after 36 holes

T2      Harris English  (-9)
T9      Kevin Kisner  (-6)
T15    Brendon Todd  (-5)
T21    Brian Harman  (-4)
T47   Paul Claxton  (-2)
T47   Richard Scott  (-2)
T57   Scott Parel  (-1)
T101  Hudson Swafford  (+1)
170   Matt McQuillan  (+11)

The third round can be followed live at:
http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/leaderboard/

First Round Scores From Round 1 of Q-School Finals



Kevin Kisner is the low Bulldog after the first round Q-School 

 Here is a look at the first round scores of the 9 Bulldogs in the field of the final stage of PGA Tour Q-School.  The final stage of Q-School is a six round tournament with the top 25 finishers securing playing status on the PGA Tour in 2012.

Kevin Kisner         (-5)  67  T10
Harris English        (-4)  68  T26
Brian Harman        (-3)  69  T43
Brendon Todd       (-1)  71  T87
Richard Scott        (-1)  71  T87
Paul Claxton          (+1) 73  T126
Scott Parel            (+1)  73  T126
Hudson Swafford  (+2)  74  T146
Matt McQuillan    (+2)  74   T156

The second round will be played today and the scoring can be followed live by clicking here:
http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/leaderboard/

9 Bulldogs in Field at Q-School Finals

A total of 9 former Bulldogs will begin golf's toughest test Wednesday at the PGA Tour's Q-School final stage.


PGA West is the site for the 6 round marathon that is the PGA Tour's final stage of Q-school as 173 players tee it up with the goal of finishing in the top 25 to earn full playing privileges on the PGA Tour in 2012.  Play will begin on Wednesday on the Nicklaus Tournament and Stadium Courses in LaQuinta, California. 

Here is a look at the 9 Dawgs in the field:

• Paul Claxton:  Made Q-School finals by finishing 40th on the 2011 Nationwide Tour money list.  Looking to return to the PGA Tour for the first time since 2008.
• Harris English:  The 2011 UGA grad and member of this year’s Walker Cup team already has full Nationwide Tour status after winning on that circuit as an amateur earlier this year. English had a victory, runner-up and third-place finish in seven Nationwide Tour starts in 2011.
• Brian Harman:  One of the most consistent players on the mini tours.  This is his first time advancing to Q-School finals after turning pro in 2009. Harman was 10th on the eGolf Professional Tour's money list in 2011.
• Kevin Kisner:  2011 PGA Tour member led wire to wire at his second stage of Q-School site, shooting 17 under to win by 5. 
• Matt McQuillan:  2011 PGA Tour member made finals by finishing 145th on the money list. 
• Scott Parel:  Runner-up at his second stage site thanks to posting a 64 and 63 in the first two rounds.  Played the Nationwide Tour full time from 06-08.
• Richard Scott:  The 3 time Canadian Amateur champ is making his first appearance in Q-School finals.  Playing well this fall, Monday qualified for McGladrey and made cut.
• Hudson Swafford:  2011 UGA grad making the trip to Q School finals in his first year as a professional.  Already has a win as a professional on eGolf Tour.
• Brendon Todd:  Played well in second half of Nationwide Tour season.  Looking to return to PGA Tour, played full season in 09.

All the scoring and updates can be found here:
http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/

Garber, McCoy To Join Georgia's Men's Golf Team

Joey Garber of Petoskey, Mich., and Lee McCoy of Palm Harbor, Fla., will be joining the Georgia men's golf team, Bulldogs coach Chris Haack announced Tuesday.


Joey Garber will compete for the Bulldogs starting this spring

Lee McCoy at the signing of his National Letter of Intent

A transfer from Michigan, Garber will enroll in January and will be eligible to compete for the Bulldogs when the spring portion of their schedule begins in February. As a freshman in 2010-11, Garber helped the Wolverines win the NCAA Central Regional and come in 10th in the NCAA Championships. He saw action in all 14 tournaments, posting two top-5, four top-10 and six top-20 efforts. His best finish was as the runner-up at the Ridges Intercollegiate. Garber's scoring average of 74.08 was the third-best effort ever by a Michigan freshman. Garber is a graduate of Petoskey High School. During his prep career, he earned Michigan's No. 1 ranking from National Junior Golf Scoreboard and Golfweek, and he was a two-time Mr. Michigan Golf.

As a high school senior, McCoy signed a national letter of intent with the Bulldogs. He is a native of Palm Harbor, Fla., who now lives in Clarkesville and attends Habersham Central High School. He was chosen as a Rolex Junior All-American in 2010 and 2011. He came in second in the American Junior Golf Association's Rolex Tournament of Champions and he placed third in the 2010 AJGA Under Armour/Hunter Mahan Championship. McCoy twice was chosen as the Orlando Junior Golf Player of the Year and the Pinellas County Junior Golf Player of the Year. McCoy's success on the links dates back to 2000 when, at the age of six, he won the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship.

"We are very excited about having Joey and Lee join our program," Haack said. "They are excellent prospects, and I know they will do what it takes academically and athletically to be successful at Georgia. Their golf talents are obvious, and we know they'll get better and better. These guys should help our team stay among the best in the nation and in the SEC."

Former Bulldogs at PGA Tour Q-School Second Stage

The second stage of PGA Tour Q-School begins this week at six different venues across the country.  In all, there will be 10 former Bulldogs who will be competing at 4 of the 6 locations this week.  The former Bulldogs will be competing to advance on to the final stage of Q-School at PGA West in Palm Springs, Nov 30-Dec 5th.  The top 25 finishers from final stage, get full playing privileges on the PGA Tour.

Six of the former Bulldogs will begin competing today and finish on Friday. 

Kevin Kisner, Adam Mitchell, and Richard Scott will be playing at Redstone Golf Club in Humble, TX.

Justin Bolli, Harris English, and Brian Harman will be playing at Southerrn Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville, FL.

The other four Bulldogs wil begin play tomorrow and Finish on Saturday.

Russell Henley and Hudson Swafford will be playing at Hombre Golf Club in Panama City, FL.

Scott Parel and Brendon Todd will be playing Plantation Reserve Golf Course in Plantation, FL.

All of the scoring can be followed by visiting the Q-School page at PGATour.com

Macpherson, Watson Teeing It Up In Australian Open

Current Georgia golfer Bryden Macpherson and ex-Bulldog Bubba Watson will be in action this week in the Emirates Australian Open.

The Australian Open will run Thursday through Sunday at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.

Macpherson, a native of Melbourne, earned one of the tournament's local exemptions, while Watson picked up of one the event's invitations. Macpherson will tee off at 7:05 a.m. Thursday, which is 3:05 p.m. EST Wednesday, in a group with fellow Aussies Rod Pampling and Stephen Leaney. Watson will be in the group that tees off 10 minutes later.

After the Bulldogs' fall schedule, Macpherson has an SEC-leading scoring average of 70.75. He posted three top-10s and was in the top 12 of all four events. Last summer, Macpherson won the Australian Amateur, earning berths in the 2011 British Open and the 2012 Masters. Watson has an Official World Golf Rating of 17th and he ranks 16th on the PGA Tour's 2011 money list with more than $3.4 million in earnings.

Results from the Australian Open will be available at pga.org.au/scores.

Beck Playing in Schwab Cup

Chip Beck is making his first appearance in the Schwab Cup

Follow former Bulldog, Chip Beck, at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.  The Schwab Cup Championship is the final event of the season on the Champions Tour with the field made up of the top 30 players from the Champions Tour money list.  The Schwab Cup is being played at the TPC Harding Park in San Francisco with the first of four rounds starting today.
Beck, who currently sits in 24th position on the money list, is playing in his first Schwab Cup.  All of the scoring can be followed live by clicking here:
http://www.pgatour.com/s/leaderboard/

Nationwide Tour Championship

The Nationwide Tour Championship starts today in Daniel Island, South Carolina.  Three Bulldogs are in the field of 60 in this final event of the season on the Nationwide Tour. 
Erik Compton currently sits in 14th place on the money list and is in good position to secure his PGA Tour Card for 2012.  Paul Claxton currently is in 38th place on and Justin Bolli is in 55th place on the money list.  Both Claxton and Bolli will need strong finishes in this last event of the season to move into the top 25 of the money list.

All the action can be followed live by clicking here:
http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/h045/

Bulldogs, Mitchell Win ODU/OBX Collegiate

The Dawgs posted the seventh best tournament score in program history in Winning the ODU/OBX Collegiate

Led by first-time medalist T.J. Mitchell, the 16th-ranked Georgia men’s golf team won the ODU/Outerbanks Collegiate Invitational on Tuesday to conclude the fall portion of its schedule.

At Kilmarlic Golf Club, the Bulldogs posted a final-round 12-under-par 276 to wind up at 30-under 834. Georgia pulled away on the back nine for a four-shot victory over Liberty. The Bulldogs’ 30-under tally is the seventh-best in school history.

“It was so nice to look in the eyes of all our players after this one,” said Coach Chris Haack, who has piloted the Bulldogs to 46 titles in 16 seasons. “These guys have worked so hard, and you could tell that it meant a lot to them. We’ve got a pretty green team and we’ve still got a long way to go, but we’re really going to enjoy this one. Winning a tournament is a feeling that never gets old.”

Mitchell, a junior from Albany, closed with a 5-under 67 to finish first at 15-under 201. Mitchell posted a two-shot win over Liberty’s Robert Karlsson, with whom he was paired on Tuesday. Mitchell’s 15-under score ties the school record for the second-lowest figure, trailing only Chris Kirk's 18-under 295 in the 2007 All-American Classic. Mitchell finished the tournament with three eagles and 14 birdies.

“I could not be prouder of T.J.,” Haack said. “He got off to such a great start (an 8-under 64 in the first round) and really just kept his foot on the gas. Coming in, he knew what was at stake for the team and for him individually and he never backed off. He really grew up this week.”

Keith Mitchell (no relation to T.J.) and Bryden Macpherson also recorded top-10 efforts. Mitchell shot a 10-under 206, including a final-round 4-under 68, to come in a career-best third. Macpherson signed for a 2-under 70 on Tuesday to wind up eighth at 1-under 215. Macpherson recorded three top-10 finishes in his four fall events.

Brian Carter shot a 1-under 71 on Tuesday to finish 13th at 1-over 217. Michael Cromie came in 23rd at 3-over 219, including a final-round 3-over 75.

The Bulldogs will resume their schedule Feb. 19-21 in the Puerto Rico Shootout.

PGA Tour Feature on Erik Compton

The PGA Tour has put together a video spotlight on former Bulldog, Erik Compton.  Compton, who was an All-American while a Bulldog, is currently #13 on the Nationwide Tour Money List and has secured his spot on the PGA Tour for 2012.
The video can be watched by clicking here:
http://www.pgatour.com/video/r/shows/inside_the_pga_tour/2011/10/18/shows_compton_profile_11inside42.pgatour/index.html

Georgia Golf Update-Monday October 17th

                                                                                                                                                               
English Records Top 5 Finish at Miccosukee Championship on Nationwide Tour

Harris English is now 61st on the Nationwide Tour money list

Harris English, playing in just his fourth event as a professional, finished tied for 3rd and earned $31,200 to move up to No. 61 on the money list. Harris has one more event, The Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open, to move into the top 60 on the money list to qualify for the season ending Nationwide Tour Championship.
English won the Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational in July as an amateur. He turned pro at the Soboba Golf Classic, where he collected a paycheck of $2,588 for his T49 finish. English used a third-round 62 at the WNB Golf Classic in Midland, TX, as a stepping stone into a playoff with former U.S. Amateur champion Danny Lee, who won on the first extra hole. English trails No. 60 Andrew Buckle by $1,900.

Former Bulldogs playing and making the cut at the Miccosukee Championship include Justin Bolli who tied for 18th, Brendon Todd tied for 52nd, and Erik Compton tied for 57th.

Currently Erik Compton is the top Bulldog on the Nationwide Tour money list as he stands at 13th.  Paul Claxton is in 39th followed by Justin Bolli at 53rd, Harris English in 61st and Brendon Todd in 84th.


McGladrey Classic Results

Kevin Kisner and Matt McQuillan both tied for 26th at the McGladrey Classic on the PGA Tour.  Richard Scott, playing is his first PGA Tour event of the year, tied for 64th.  Both Kisner and McQuillan picked up $29,000 for the week and Scott pocketed $8,400.

The next and final event of the season on the PGA Tour is the Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals Classic being played this week. Former Bulldogs in the field will include Kevin Kisner, Matt McQuillan, and Ryuji Imada.

Champions Tour AT&T Championship

Both Chip Beck and Tim Simpson were in action at the AT&T Championship on the Champions Tour.  Beck finished tied for 47th while Simpson finished tied for 65.  

Georgia Golf Update, Friday October 14th

                                                                              
PGA Tour at Sea Island for McGladrey Classic

With the PGA Tour making a stop in Georgia this week, five former Bulldogs will be competing on the Seaside Course at Sea Island.  Ryuji Imada, Matt McQuillan, Chris Kirk, Kevin Kisner, and Richard Scott will be among the 132 players as the tour returns to Sea Island for the second year for the McGladry Classic. 
Richard Scott, who resides on St. Simons Island, Monday qualified this week to earn a spot in the field.

Live scoring can be followed at:
http://www.pgatour.com/r/leaderboard/

 Memories of Beck's 59 still vivid 20 years later
Stan Awtrey wrote an article for PGATour.com about Chip Beck shooting 59 on the PGA Tour 20 years ago.  Chip Beck became the second golfer to shoot 59 in a PGA Tour event when he did so at the Las Vegas Invitational.

click here to read the full article:
http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tournaments/s530/10/11/beck_recalls_59/index.html


English Making Late Push for Tour Championship

Harris English currently sits at 81st on the Nationwide Tour money list

Harris English may have graduated from the University of Georgia in May but his education is continuing on the Nationwide Tour.
English, 22, is making a late-season run to the Nationwide Tour Championship but realizes time isn't on his side. With just two full regular-season tournaments left on the schedule English is hoping to do enough.

go to PGATour.com to read the rest of an article about Harris and his success on the Nationwide Tour:
http://www.pgatour.com/2011/h/10/12/harris-english/index.html

Follow Harris and other former Bulldogs Paul Claxton, Justin Bolli, Erik Compton, and Brendon Todd at the Micosukee Champsionship this week on the Nationwide Tour.
Click here for live scoring:
http://www.pgatour.com/h/leaderboard/

Bulldogs Come In Fourth At Brickyard Championship

Macpherson tied for 12th at The Brickyard Collegiate

The 16th-ranked Georgia men’s golf team fired the lowest score of the third round to close out its showing in the Brickyard Collegiate Championship on Sunday.

At Riverside at the Brickyard, the Bulldogs shot a 7-under 281, which was Sunday’s lowest loop and was the second-lowest round of the three-day event. Georgia wound up in fourth at 8-over 872, with team honors going to Georgia Tech at 16-under 848.

“I was proud of the way the guys hung in there,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “With a young team, every day is so critical to the process. We know we’re going to make some mistakes along the way, but we’re learning and getting valuable experience every time we tee it up. This was definitely a positive day for us, and it’s one that we can build on.”

Junior Bryden Macpherson paced the Bulldogs on Sunday with a 3-under 69. Freshman Sepp Straka signed for a 2-under 70, while junior T.J. Mitchell and freshman Nicholas Reach each carded a 1-under 71. Sophomore Brian Carter had the Bulldogs’ non-counting score of 6-over 78.

Macpherson finished 12th individually --- his third top-20 in as many outings this season --- at 1-over 217. Medalist honors went to Florida State’s Brooke Koepka at 11-under 205. Carter placed 20th at 3-over 219, followed by Reach at 5-over 221, Straka at 7-over 223 and Mitchell at 8-over 224.

Playing as individuals, sophomore Michael Cromie shot a 2-over 74 on Sunday to finish at 6-over 222 and freshman Sam Straka carded a 2-under 70 for a final tally of 11-over 227.

Georgia will conclude its fall schedule Oct. 23-25 at the Old Dominion/Outerbanks Collegiate in Powells Point, N.C.

Bulldogs Ready to Defend Title at Brickyard Collegiate

The 16th-ranked Georgia men’s golf team will continue the fall portion of its schedule by playing in the Fifth Annual Brickyard Collegiate Championship this weekend.

The Bulldogs will compete Friday through Sunday at The Brickyard at Riverside trying to continue the success they have enjoyed in Macon. Georgia claimed the 2007, 2008 and 2010 team titles and boasted individual medalists in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

“The Brickyard has been kind to us through the years,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “We’ve got a lot of pleasant memories from this tournament. We’re bringing a new group in this year, but they know about our history at the Brickyard, and they would love nothing more than to keep it going for us.

“This is a great tournament, and it’s one that we’ll keep on our schedule as long as they have it. They do a terrific job with every part of it, and our guys really enjoy going down there.”

The Bulldogs will use a lineup of juniors Bryden Macpherson and T.J. Mitchell, sophomore Brian Carter, and freshmen Nicholas Reach and Sepp Straka. Macpherson leads the Bulldogs and is second in the SEC with a 69.5 scoring average, followed by Reach, who is ninth in the SEC, at 71.86. Georgia also will enter sophomore Michael Cromie and freshman Sam Straka as individuals, meaning their scores cannot count toward the team total.

Joining the Bulldogs and tournament host Mercer at the Brickyard will be Air Force, Augusta State, Chattanooga, Charleston, Colorado State, No. 18 Florida State, No. 5 Georgia Tech, Gonzaga, Mississippi, North Florida, Oklahoma, Texas-Arlington and Virginia Tech. Oklahoma is coached by former Georgia player and assistant coach Ryan Hybl.

The Bulldogs will tee off at 8:30 a.m. on Friday with their counterparts from Georgia Tech and Augusta State. Tee times and live scoring can be found at golfstat.com. Additional information can be found at brickyardcollegiate.org.

English Forces in Playoff on Nationwide Tour

In just his second event as a professional, Harris English fell just short of winning his second title of the season on the Nationwide Tour.

English played his way into a sudden death playoff with Danny Lee after 72 holes at the WNB Golf Classic in Midland, Texas. Aided by a third round 62, English tied Lee on 18-under, the two went to extra holes. Lee won the title with a par on the first hole of the playoff.

English was seeking his second win on the Nationwide Tour in 2011. He won the Children's Hospital Invitational in July as an amateur and turned professional before last week's Soboba Golf Classic where he finished T49.

"I didn't hit my tee shot where I wanted to in the playoff. I tried to get a good angle at the flag but kind of got a bad break but that's what happens," English said. I gave myself a chance for par and that's all I could get. I started off a little slow today with a bogey at No. 1 but the eagle at No. 12 really got me going and got me back in it and I kind of cruised in from there. Overall, it was a good day. I was just glad I was in it."

With his second-place finish, English earned $56,700 and he moved to 79th on the 2011 money list while fellow Bulldog Brendon Todd finished in a tie for 10th.

Both English and Todd will be playing again this week when the Nationwide Tour stops in Chattanooga, TN for the Childrens's Hospital Classic.  They will be joined by Bulldogs,  Paul Claxton, Erik Compton, and Justin Bolli.

English and Henley Make Pro Debuts on Nationwide Tour

Harris English and Russell Henley will make their pro debuts today on the Nationwide Tour

After being roommates in college, teammates for four years, and after just representing the U.S. at the Walker Cup, Russell Henley and Harris English will make their pro debuts at this week’s Soboba Classic on the Nationwide Tour.
English accepted Nationwide Tour membership after his victory at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational. Henley is competing on a sponsor exemption. Henley could not accept membership because he waited more than 60 days to turn pro after his victory at the Stadion Classic at UGA. 
Harris will have 5 tournaments  left on the Nationwide schedule to play his way into the top 60, who qualify for the season ending Nationwide Tour Championship. 
Henley will have to rely on sponsor exemptions on the Nationwide Tour for the remaining events if he were to not finish inside the top 25 this week.

Live scoring can be followed on the Nationwide Tour website at:
http://www.pgatour.com/h/leaderboard/

Macpherson, Bulldogs Take Second In Adams Cup

Macpherson, Bulldogs Take Second in Adams Cup

Junior Bryden Macpherson and the 15th-ranked Georgia men's golf team each came in second on Tuesday in the Adams Cup of Newport.

The Bulldogs fired a final-round 1-under 287 to close at 13-under 851, nine shots behind Central Florida (842), which won the tournament for the second straight year.

Macpherson notched a career high with his runner-up effort as he finished at 10-under 206, including a 4-under 68 in the final round. Medalist honors went to Central Florida's Ricardo Gouveia, who finished two strokes ahead of Macpherson. Macpherson came in third in the season-opening Carpet Capital Collegiate in what was then his career-best finish.

"While I am a little disappointed that we did not win the golf tournament, I am excited about the way we played and the progress this team continues to make," Georgia coach Chris Haack said. "We've got a young group, but they are talented and they are getting better and better each week. I am very proud of Bryden. That's two top-5s for him right out of the gate. He's been a real leader for us and he's been a real presence in that No. 1 spot."

Freshman Nicholas Reach placed seventh at 2-under 214 as he fired a final-round 3-over 75. Junior T.J. Mitchell had an even-par 72 on Tuesday to finish in 14th at 1-over 217. Sophomore Michael Cromie (2-over 74 on Tuesday) and freshman Sepp Straka (73) each wound up at 5-over 221.

The Bulldogs will return to action on Sunday in a tri-match against Princeton and Army. The event will take place at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa., and will start at 1 p.m.

Macpherson, Reach Pace Bulldogs In Adams Cup

Junior Bryden Macpherson and the Bulldogs lead in Rhode Island

Behind strong starts from Bryden Macpherson and Nicholas Reach, the 15th-ranked Georgia men's golf team grabbed first place on Monday at the Adams Cup of Newport.

Playing 36 holes at Newport National Golf Club, the Bulldogs logged loops of 1-over par 289 and 13-under 275 for a total of 12-under 564. Georgia will enter Tuesday's final round at Carnegie Abbey Club with a three-stroke advantage over Central Florida.

Macpherson is tied for the tournament lead at 6-under 138 after signing for an even-par 72 and a 6-under 66. Reach is one shot back at 5-under 139 with scores of 5-under 67 and even-par 72.

"It feels good to be sitting atop the leaderboard," Georgia coach Chris Haack said. "We've got three guys in the top 20 (Macpherson, Reach and T.J. Mitchell), and when you can do that, you've got a shot. We've got an important day ahead of us on Tuesday, but I am pleased thus far with our efforts."

Mitchell is 17th at 1-over 145 following rounds of 4-over 76 and 3-under 69. Sophomore Michael Cromie posted loops of 2-over 74 and 1-over 73 for a total of 3-over 147. Freshman Sepp Straka opened with an 8-over 80 but rebounded with a 4-under 68 to stand at 4-over 148.

Georgia Golfers To Tee It Up In Rhode Island

The 15th-ranked Georgia men’s golf team will resume the fall portion of its schedule this week in Rhode Island in the 18th Annual Adams Cup of Newport/Cleveland Golf Classic.

The tournament will consist of 36 holes on Monday at The Orchard Course at Newport National Golf Club and 18 holes on Tuesday at Carnegie Abbey Club. Georgia’s only other appearance in the event took place in 2002, with the Bulldogs coming in third.

Joining the Bulldogs and host Rhode Island will be Boston College, Brown, Bryant, Central Connecticut, Central Florida, Connecticut, Dartmouth, DePaul, Hartford, Holy Cross, Nova Southeastern, Rollins, St. Joseph’s, Temple, Texas Tech, Villanova and Yale. The 19-team field incorporates 12 different conferences.

“I am really excited about this tournament,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “We’re going to see some teams we don’t normally see and we’re going to play in a part of the country we’ve rarely been to. This tournament has a strong history, and we’re proud to be a part of it this year.”

Haack will use a lineup of juniors Bryden Macpherson and T.J. Mitchell, sophomore Michael Cromie, and freshmen Nicholas Reach and Sepp Straka. That quintet placed seventh in the season-opening Carpet Capital Collegiate Sept. 9-11. Macpherson led the way with a career-best third-place finish at 5-under 211.

“We saw a lot of positive things in the first tournament, things that we can build on as we move forward,” Haack said.

Additional information about the Adams Cup can be found at Rhode Island’s website, GoRhody.com.

Georgia's Walker Cup Tradition

English, Henley latest Bulldogs to play for the USA in biennial competition



Russell Henley and Harris English will represent the U.S. during the Walker Cup this Weekend

 Recent Georgia graduates, Russell Henley and Harris English, were the feature of a article about the history of Georgia Bulldogs in the Walker Cup.  The two Bulldogs will represent the U.S. at the Walker Cup this weekend at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Scotland.

Click here to view the article.

Georgia Golf Update, Sept. 5th

Bubba Leads Deutsche Bank Championship after 54 Holes

Bubba will try to get win number 3 at Deutsch Bank

After three rounds at the Deutsch Bank Championship, Bubba Watson has a 1 stroke lead over the field.  Watson posted a third round 70 to go with a first round 68 and a second round 64.  With a win today, Bubba would take over the top spot in the Fed Ex Cup standings.
Fellow Bulldog, Chris Kirk, currently stands in a tie for 50th at 3 under par.  Ryuji Imada sits in a tie for 72nd at 3 over par.

Bubba will tee off in the last pairing scheduled for 1:45.  Live scoring can be followed at PGA Tour.com

Kisner Records Top 5 Finish on Nationwide Tour

Kevin Kisner finished 5th at the Mylan Classic

Kevin Kisner finished tied for 5th at the Mylan Classic on the Nationwide Tour.  Kisner, who held the 54 hole lead and was the defending champion of the Mylan Classic, fired a final round 70 to fall into 5th.  Kisner finished the tournament at 14 under par, thanks in large part to a second round 62.

English and Henley advance to 2nd Round of Match Play

Harris English at Erin Hills

Harris English and Russell Henley each won their first round matches at the U.S. Amateur. 

English, who had 5 birdies in an 8 hole stretch, won his match 3&1 vs Andrew Yun. 
English almost put the match away on the par-3 16th when his 7-iron from 192 yards landed 10 feet in front of the hole and grazed the hole for a near ace. The two men halved with pars. But matters were settled on No. 17 when Yun, after pushing a drive into the right rough, came up short of the green and couldn’t get up and down. Yun’s lone bogey of the round sent English into the second round of the Amateur for the second time.    Harris will play Bobby Leopold in round 2, match scheduled to start at 11:00 am.

Henley defeated Kevin Dougherty 3&1 to advance to the second round.  Henley will play Patrick Cantlay, who is currently the top ranked amateur in the world, in the round of 32.  That match is scheduled to begin at noon.  

The Golf Channel will have coverage of the second round today from 1-3 pm.  Live scoring can be followed at:
 http://www.usga.org/ChampEventScore.aspx?id=17179869326&year=2011&type=match2

English and Henley Advance to Match Play at U.S. Amateur

2011 U.S. Amateur at Erin Hills

Former Bulldogs, Russell Henley and Harris English, finished in the top 64 of stroke play at the U.S. Amateur and will advance on to the match play portion of the tournament. 

Henley stood at 7 under par after 36 holes and tied for third while English finished at 2 under and tied for 31st. 

Harris will be seeded 32 in match play and Russell will be the 5th seed in the match play bracket.

Harris will face Andrew Yun in the first round of match play.  Russell will be paired against Kevin Dougherty in his first round match.

The 111th U.S. Amateur is being played at Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin. 

The matches can be followed live on the U.S. Amateur website:
http://www.usga.org/ChampEventScoringIndex.aspx?eid=17179869326&year=2011&id=2147493610

Dawgs to Begin Play at U.S. Amateur



2011 U.S. Amateur at Erin Hills


The 2011 U.S. Amateur will begin today with 3 current and 2 former Bulldogs in the field.  Erin Hills will serve as the host for the championship with Blue Mound Country Club will serve as the second stroke play course for the first two rounds. 
Erin Hills, located in Erin, WI, will also be the host of the 2017 U.S. Open.  Playing to a yardage of 7,760, Erin Hills will be the longest course in USGA history by playing 18 yards longer than last year's U.S. Amateur venue, Chambers Bay.

Harris English and Bryden Macpherson will both play their first rounds at Erin Hills.  English will tee off at 7:30 with Macpherson following him at 7:40.

Russell Henley, Michael Cromie, and Keith Mitchell will begin their first rounds at Blue Mound Country Club.  Henley will start at 7:50, Cromie at 9:00, and Mitchell at 1:15.

The first two rounds of the U.S. Amateur are played to determine the low 64 players who will advance to match play.  Scoring can be followed live at:
http://www.usga.org/ChampEventScore.aspx?id=17179869326&year=2011&type=stroke

Swafford Claims First Professional Win

Hudson Swafford wins the HGM Hotels Classic

Former Georgia golfer Hudson Swafford notched his first professional victory on Saturday, claiming the eGolf Professional Tour's HGM Hotels Classic at Rock Barn.
Swafford entered the final round trailing by four shots, but had two birdies and an eagle over the last five holes to finish at 21-under 266 for a 1-shot win over Fernando Mechereffe.
Swafford earned the $30,000 first prize in just his sixth professional event.

“I was playing really well entering the week,” Swafford said. “I had a great practice round on Monday with (former Bulldogs) Brian Harman and Adam Mitchell, then came out slow with a 69 on the easier of the two courses. But I remained patient and was able to stick with it through the week.”
For Swafford, the win moved him up to No. 11 on the tour’s money list, thus solidifying his PGA Tour Q-School bonus – paid annually to the top 20 members on the regular-season-ending member money list.

“That bonus is huge. To be honest with you, that was the only thing I was really worried about coming down the stretch,” Swafford said. “That is such a huge deal at this time of year, to not have to worry about that $4,500 payment. It means a lot to me.”
In other results of ex-Bulldogs, Harman came in third at 19-under 268, Richard Scott placed 21st at 12-under 275 and Mitchell finished 31st at 10-under 277.

Swafford’s victory extended what has been a strong last few months for players associated with the Georgia golf team. Russell Henley and Harris English became just the second and third amateurs to win Nationwide Tour events and were named to the Walker Cup Team, while Bryden Macpherson claimed the British Amateur title and secured berths in the British Open and the Masters. Ex-Bulldogs Bubba Watson and Chris Kirk have wins on the PGA Tour this season, and Erik Compton posted a Nationwide Tour victory.

Bulldogs Henley and English Selected to U.S. Walker Cup Team

Former Georgia All-Americans Harris English and Russell Henley were chosen for the United States' Walker Cup Team on Sunday, according to the United States Golf Association.

The USGA picked four players on Sunday for Team USA: English, Henley, Patrick Cantlay of UCLA and Peter Uihlein of Oklahoma State. The remainder of the 10-man USA team that will compete against 10 amateurs representing Great Britain and Ireland will be named later this summer.

The Walker Cup will be played Sept. 10-11 at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Scotland.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment for Harris and Russell," Georgia coach Chris Haack said. "They set their sights on making the Walker Cup team, and that's exactly what they did. All their hard work has paid off with this selection. I could not be prouder of them. I know they will represent the University of Georgia and the United States in a first-rate manner in Scotland."

With the selections of English and Henley, Georgia now has been represented in the Walker Cup by 15 golfers, including Vinny Giles (1969, 1971, 1973, 1975 and 1993), Danny Yates (1989, 1993, 1999 and 2001) and Jimmy Gabrielsen (1971, 1981 and 1991). Brian Harman and Adam Mitchell helped the United States win the Walker Cup in Ardmore, Pa., in 2009.

The biennial Walker Cup match consists of 18 singles matches and eight foursomes (alternate-shot) matches over the competition’s two days. Team USA has won the last three matches and leads the series overall, 34-7-1.

Russell Henley to Appear on CBS

Russell Henley to appear on CBS

Russell Henley will be featured on the CBS Sports television show, "Next on the Tee: The Future of Golf" on Saturday July 30th.  The show is scheduled to air at 2:00 pm eastern.  The segment featuring Russell was filmed in Macon at Russell's home course, Idle Hour Country Club.

Bunker to Bunker-Georgia Golf Update, July 25th

English Wins Nationwide Event


Harris English makes birdie on the 72nd hole



Former Georgia All-American Harris English won the Nationwide Tour's Children's Hospital Invitational on Sunday at the Ohio State Golf Club's Scarlet Course.

English, a recent graduate, became just the third amateur to win on the Nationwide Tour, joining former Georgia teammate Russell Henley (who won the Stadion Classic at UGA earlier this year) and Daniel Summerhays (who also won in Columbus as an amateur in 2007).

English is also the third ex-Bulldog to win on the Nationwide Tour this year, following Henley and Erik Compton in the Mexico Open.

English finished at 14-under-par 270, one shot better than Kyle Reifers and fellow amateur John Peterson. English birdied the 72nd hole to avoid a three-man playoff.

“That’s really what you dream about growing up. You want to put yourself in those positions to win. This is what you spend hours and hours practicing for as a little kid,” said Engilsh. “When I saw the ball disappear it was the greatest feeling in the world. It’s pretty unbelievable.”

English made this win his second in as many tournaments thanks to his win at the Southern Amateur the previous week.  Harris will now travel to Niagara Falls Country Club to compete in the Porter Cup along with fellow Bulldogs Russell Henley and Bryden Macpherson.

English will be a guest on the Golf Channel Show, The Morning Drive on Tuesday morning at 7:15 am.
Since English has maintained his amateur status the $144,000 first-place prize went to Reifers.

English's father, Ben, a former Georgia basketball player, caddied for him in the event.

Reach Loses in Playoff at Palmetto

Incoming Freshman, Nick Reach, lost in a playoff at The Palmetto Amateur.  Reach, who held a one stroke lead after 54 holes, fired a final round 70 and was tied at 10 under par after 72 holes with Will McCurdy.  McCurdy defeated Reach on the first playoff hole with a par on the par 3 16th hole. 

Beck Finishes in Top 25 at Senior British

Former Bulldog, Chip Beck, finished tied for 23rd at the Senior British Open.  Beck carded a final round 77 to finish the tournament at even par after climbing into the top ten during the third round.  Russ Cochran won the tournament at 12 2under par.

The 13th Bulldog Open is Headed Back to The UGA Golf Course

After originally being scheduled to be played at The Georgia Club, the venue of the 13th Bulldog Open has been changed back to "The Home of The Bulldogs", The University of Georgia Golf Course.
The annual tournament that supports the golf team will be held on Friday September 9th, the Friday before the home football game vs. South Carolina. 
We are expecting to have a full field again this year, so get your team signed up early.  If you need an additional entry form, please let us know by emailing jason.payne@ugateeoff.com or call the Georgia Golf office at (706) 369-6066.

Bunker to Bunker-Georgia Golf Update, July 22

Kisner and McQuillan Tied for 2nd on PGA Tour's Canadian Open

Former Bulldogs, Kevin Kisner and Matt McQuillan, are currently tied for 2nd at the RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour.  Both fired a first round 2 under par 68 and sit just one stroke behind first round leader Kris Blanks.
The RBC Canadian Open is being played at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, B.C.

Kisner starts his second round at 4:30 eastern and McQuillan will begin at 5:00.  Live scoring can be followed at PGATour.com.

English in Contention on Nationwide Tour

Harris English carded a first round 66 on the Nationwide Tour

Harris English is ted for 3rd after the first round of play at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational.  English fired a first round 5 under par 66, two shots behind John Peterson.  Peterson is a recent LSU graduate who won the NCAA individual title this year.  Both English and Peterson earned their way into the field by being named Division 1 All-Americans.

English is joined in the field by former Bulldogs Justin Bolli, Paul Claxton, Brendon Todd and Brian Harman.  Currently Claxton sits in a tie for 14th at 3 under par, Harman is in a tie for 50th at even par, and Bolli and Todd are currently tied for 99th at 2 over par.

There will be live television coverage today on The Golf Channel starting at 12:30.  Live scoring can also be followed at :
http://www.pgatour.com/h/leaderboard/


Reach Leads Palmetto Amateur

Incoming Freshman Nick Reach currently leads the Palmetto Amateur

Incoming freshman, Nick Reach, currently leads the Palmetto Amateur at Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, SC.  Reach currently holds a three shot lead after the first two rounds of play at 9 under par.  Reach jumped out to the first round lead after a first round 62 and followed that with a second round 69.

Reach is joined in the field by fellow Bulldogs Keith Mitchell and Brian Carter.  Mitchell currently site in 16th at 2 over par and Carter is in 42nd place at 6 over par after starting the second round in 5th place after a first round 68.

Scoring can be followed at Palmettoamateur.com

Mitchell in Top 10 at Scratch Golf Championship

Former Bulldog Adam Mitchell

Adam Mitchell is continuing his stellar play of late on the eGolf Tour.  Currently Mitchell sits in 7th place at 7 under par at the Scratch Golf Championship in Aiken, SC.  Mitchell carded a first round 66 and followed that with a 71 in round 2.

Mitchell was joined in the field by former Bulldog Hudson Swafford, who missed his first cut as a professional at 4 over par.

Scoring can be followed at:
http://tarheel.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/tarheel11/event/tarheel1113/contest/1/leaderboard.htm