Bubba Tied for 4th at Masters, Bolli in 2nd on Nationwide

Bubba Tied for 4th at Augusta

Bubba Watson posted his best opening round in four appearances at the Masters on Thursday by posting a 3 under 69.  When the wind picked up late in the day, Watson was steady and played the final five holes 1 under par.  Bubba is 2 shots back of the lead held by Lee Westwood.

Bubba was joined in the Masters field by former Bulldog, Bryden Macpherson, who is playing as an amateur.  Macpherson carded a 5 over 77 on his first round in the Masters Tournament.  Macpherson earned an invitation to the Masters by winning the 2011 British Amateur.

Live scoring of the Masters can be followed at http://www.masters.com/


Bolli Tied for 2nd on Nationwide

Former Bulldog, Justin Bolli is tied for second on the Nationwide Tour at the Soboba Golf Classic in San Jacinto, CA.  Bolli fired a first round 2 under par 69 and is 2 strokes back of the lead.  Bolli is joined in the top 10 of the leaderboard by former Bulldog Paul Claxton, who is tied for 10th.

Former Bulldog Scott Parel is currently tied for 45th at 1 over, Russell Henley is tied for 83rd at 3 over, Hudson Swafford is tied for 99th at 4 over, and matt McQuillan is tied for 169th at 7 over par.

live scoring can be followed at http://www.pgatour.com/

Golfer Macpherson Withdraws From Georgia

2011 British Amateur Champion, Bryden Macpherson

 Bryden Macpherson, a junior on the Georgia men’s golf team, has withdrawn from the university to return home to Australia, Bulldogs coach Chris Haack announced on Wednesday.

Macpherson plans to train in Australia until late March, when he will return to the United States to play in the Georgia Cup and then The Masters as an amateur. Macpherson earned a berth in The Masters by winning the 2011 British Amateur Championship. Following the Masters, he plans to turn pro and try to earn sponsor’s exemptions for PGA and Nationwide Tour events.

“I am so appreciative of the time I’ve had at Georgia,” Macpherson said. “I have grown as a person and as a golfer, and I’ve made friendships I know will last a lifetime. But I feel the time is right for me to begin pursuing my dream of becoming a professional golfer. And to do that, it’s in my best interest to return to Australia to work. I will miss my Georgia coaches and my teammates, but I fully expect them to go on to have a great rest of the season.”

“Bryden has been a valuable member of our program, and we’re all going to miss him,” Haack said. “He’s been a great golfer to have on the team, and he’s been an even better person. We wish him nothing but the best. Bryden joined us at a time when we really needed him, and he made a lasting impact on our program. We know he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

With the Bulldogs dealing with depth issues due to injuries, Macpherson arrived from Australia in January of 2010. He posted four top-15 finishes in five events and was chosen as the SEC Freshman of the Year. In 2011, Macpherson was undefeated in the match play portion of the NCAA Championships as the Bulldogs finished as the national runner-up. This season, Macpherson had four top-12 efforts, including a career-best second-place finish at the Adams Cup of Newport. He ends his college career with a scoring average of 73.31 — 22nd on Georgia’s all-time list.

The Bulldogs will return to action Feb. 19-21 in the Puerto Rico Shootout.

Jones Cup Invitational

The Jones Cup Invitational begins today at Ocean Forest Golf Club on Sea Island

The prestigious Jones Cup Invitational gets under way today at Ocean Forest G.C. in Sea Island, GA.  In only its eighth edition, this tournament has become an important event in amateur golf, featuring top players from around the world.  In all 13 countries will be represented in the 54 hole event. 
Bulldogs in the field are junior Bryden Macpherson and sophomore Michael Cromie.

Live scoring can be followed at http://www.golfstat.com/

Two Bulldogs Make Top 25 Under the Age of 25

Russell Henley was included on a list of the top 25 players under age 25 in golf

Jason Sobel of The Golf Channel compiled a list of the top 25 players under the age of 25 in golf.  Former Bulldogs,  Russell Henley and Harris English,  were included on the list in the top 25.  Current Bulldog, Bryden Macpherson, just missed the cut as he was included in the list of the next 25 under 25 in golf.  To see the complete article and list, go to http://www.golfchannel.com/news/jason-sobel/top-25-under-25/

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.

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.

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.

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

Bunker to Bunker-Georgia Golf Update, July 18

Kirk Victorious on PGA Tour at Viking Classic

Chris Kirk earned his first career PGA Tour win Sunday

Chris Kirk tied the tournament scoring record by shooting 22 under par and picked up his first career PGA Tour win along the way at the Viking Classic in Madison, MS on Sunday.  Kirk, the third round leader, became the fifth rookie to win on the PGA Tour this season. With a final round 68, Kirk defeated Tom Pernice Jr. and George McNeill by a single stroke. The victory earns Kirk $648,000 of the $3.6 million Viking Classic purse and 250 points in the FedExCup race.
Kirk's first PGA Tour win comes in the same tournament where he played in his first PGA Tour event in 2007.  With the win, Kirk moves to 27th on the PGA Tour's money list and currently stands at 27th in the Fed Ex Cup points standings.  
Fellow former Bulldog Kevin Kisner recorded his best finish of his rookie season on tour by finishing tied for 27th while former Bulldog Matt MaQuillan tied for 34th.


English Wins 105th Southern Amateur

Harris English wins the 105th Southern Amateur

Harris English broke out of a five-way jam at the top of the leaderboard to win the 105^th Southern Amateur Saturday at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course.  With five players knotted at 6-under-par heading into the final nine, English birdied four of his next six holes to open a decisive 3-stroke lead over the elite international field.

After a brief lightning delay, English completed his closing round at a tournament low 65 for a 275 total.  “I didn’t want to stop while I was on a roll,” said English. He had bunkered his approach to the 17^th before play was halted, but resumed with an excellent blast to within a foot of the hole.

With the win, English helps build his case for a spot on the U.S. Walker Cup team this September.  

Harris' plans are to turn professional this fall after the amateur season and,  therefore,  will forgo the exemption that comes with winning the Southern Amateur into the PGA Tour's Bay Hill Invitational.  

Macpherson Misses Cut at British Open

Macpherson at the British Open

Georgia golfer, Bryden Macpherson, missed the cut a the British Open by a single shot. 

The rising junior, who won the British Amateur last month to earn a berth in the British Open, tallied bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes to finish just outside of the cut.

Macpherson will now return to the U.S. for the remainder of his summer amateur schedule while preparing for the 2011-2012 collegiate season.

Mitchell FInishes Fourth at Southern Open on eGolf Tour

Adam Mitchell finished fourth at the Southern Open

Former Bulldog, Adam Mitchell, finished fourth in the eGolf Tour's Southern Open.  Mitchell carded a final round 70 after holding a share of the 54 hole lead.  With the fourth place finish, Mitchell moved to 14th on the eGolf Tour money list.  
Hudson Swafford, playing in his third event as a professional, finished tied for 42nd and currently  sits at 35 on the money list.

Bunker to Bunker-Georgia Golf Update, July 13

Macpherson Set to Begin Play at British Open

Current Georgia Bulldog, Bryden Macpherson, will tee off in his first appearance at a major championship on Thursday in the British Open Championship.  Macpherson earned a spot in the British Open by winning the British Amateur in June.  
Macpherson will tee off at 1:21 local time (8:21 am eastern).  His playing partners for the first two rounds will be Padraig Harrington and Matt Kuchar.
Former Bulldog Bubba Watson will also be competing in the British Open.  Watson will be playing two groups behind Macpherson in the 1:43 local time pairing.  Bubba's playing partners will be Graeme McDowell and Jason Day.


Live scoring can be viewed at:
www.opengolf.com


105th Southern Amateur

The 105th Southern Amateur will get underway today at Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor, Fl.  Former Bulldog, Harris English, along with current Bulldog Michael Cromie and incoming Freshman Nick Reach will be competing in the championship.  
UGA golfers have experienced success over the year at the Southern Amateur with a Bulldog winning the championship a total of 8 times.  
Bulldog winners include, Arnold Blum (twice), Vinny Giles (twice), Danny Yates, Tim Simpson, Bill Brown, and Ryan Hybl.  
The winner of the Southern Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the Bay Hill Invitational PGA Tour event.


Live scoring of the Southern Amateur can be followed at:
www.sgagolf.com

Bunker to Bunker-Georgia Golf Update, July 5th

English Reaches Semifinals of U.S. Amateur Public Links

Harris English's run at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Public Links came to an end with a 5&3 loss to stroke play medalist Corbin Mills.  English had dispatched J.J. Spaun in the quarterfinals 2&1 to make it to the final four.  English, who was also a quarterfinalist at the 2010 U.S. Amateur Public Links, helped build his case for a spot on this year's Walker Cup Team with another strong showing in a USGA event.  
Corbin Mills, a current Clemson golfer,  would go on to win the title with a 1 up win in 37 holes over Derek Ernst.

Chris Kirk Has Good Weekend at AT&T National

Thanks to a third round 63 and a final round 69, former Bulldog Chris Kirk finished tied for 8th at The AT&T National on the PGA Tour.  With his third top ten of the season, Kirk moved over the $1 million mark in earnings for the season and moved him to 50th in the FED-Ex Cup standings.
Ryuji Imada made the cut and tied for 34th, while Erik Compton did not make the cut for the first time this season on the PGA Tour.  

Dogwood Invitational Results

Bryden Macpherson has the honor of being low Bulldog at the 2011 Dogwood Invitational.  Macpherson, the 2011 British Amateur Champion, finished the four round tournament tied for 17th at 9 under par.  Russell Henley, finished a stroke behind Macpherson,  at 20th with an 8 under par total.  
Two Bulldog signees, who will be freshmen this fall, made the cut and had strong finishes.  Sepp Straka finished the tournament tied for 25th at 7 under par and Nicholas Reach finished in 37 place with a 3 under par total.
Fellow Bulldogs, T.J. Mitchell and Keith Mitchell,  played in Dogwood and both players failed to make the cut.
The Dogwood was won by Nate McCoy at 22 under par.

Bunker to Bunker-Georgia Golf Update

English, Henley, Swafford Earn All-America Honors

Hudson Swafford, Harris English, and Russell Henley

Georgia golfers Harris English, Russell Henley and Hudson Swafford — who capped their collegiate careers earlier this month — have earned All-America honors.

PING and the Golf Coaches Association of America picked English for their Second Team, with Henley and Swafford earning Honorable Mention status. Golfweek tabbed English for its Third Team and Henley was named Honorable Mention.

English led the Bulldogs with a 72.39 scoring average, while Henley was next at 72.73 and Swafford was third at 73.20. The seniors helped Georgia finish second at the NCAA Championships June 5 in Stillwater, Okla.

English and Henley ended their Georgia careers as four-time All-Americans, and Swafford was picked as an All-American three times. Collectively, they rolled up the following career numbers: 11 All-America honors, 10 All-SEC certificates, 12 medalist titles, 17 team tournament victories, two SEC Freshman of the Year awards, two SEC team titles and one National Player of the Year honor.

“Those guys were tremendous ambassadors for the golf team and for the University of Georgia on and off the course,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “They also were great leaders. They led by example with hard work and dedication. Everything they did was for the  betterment of the team. We’re going to miss them. They have left an indelible mark on our program.”

Macpherson Wins British Amateur

Bryden Macpherson becomes the second Bulldog to win the British Amateur

Georgia golfer Bryden Macpherson won the 116th British Amateur Championship on Saturday, earning spots in this year's British Open and next year's Masters in the process.

Macpherson defeated Scotland's Michael Stewart 3&2 in the final match, joining Doug Bachli (1954) as the only Australians to win the British Amateur.

The 2011 Open Championship will take place July 14-17 at Royal St. George's. The 2012 Masters will be held April 5-8 at Augusta National.

“I can’t believe it just yet," Macpherson said. "It feels pretty good to bridge the gap of 57 years. I hope there are a few proud Aussies having a barbecue. My judgment of speed was awesome today, so that was real important, but the real key to this week was patience. As hard as it was to believe, I had complete confidence that it was going to happen for me this week. I did a really good job of staying out of my own way, and celebrating everything I did well. Staying in the moment was a major key. I love the whole atmosphere of the Amateur Championship. One of the main things is the crowds: it’s amazing how much people love their golf around here. It’s a credit to them."

Macpherson, a rising junior for the Bulldogs shot 75-70 in stroke play, then posted six straight wins in match play to win the British Amateur title. Macpherson went 3-0 in match play as the Bulldogs finished second at the NCAA Championships earlier this month.

Macpherson joins Vinny Giles (1975) as the only Bulldogs to win the British Amateur.




US Open Recap

Russell Henley during the 111th U.S. Open

Russell Henley finished his second U.S. Open with a final round 75 to finish at 4 over for the day and for the tournament.  His four over total was four shots better than his score from last year, but this time he finished in a tie for 42nd place.  Henley made plenty of noise along the way, thanks in large part to a 4 under front nine on Saturday that had him in third place individually when he made the turn on his third round.  
Henley now will finish the remainder of his amateur summer as he prepares to represent the U.S. during the Walker Cup in September.  His next tournament will be the Dogwood Invitational in Atlanta starting on June 27th.


Former Bulldogs Bubba Watson and Christo Greyling also made the cut in the 111th U.S. Open.  Christo Greyling, playing in his first major championship, finished in a tie for 68th.  Greyling had to finish his second round Saturday morning and needed a couple of birdies to make the cut.  Christo birdied 3 of his last four holes to play the weekend.  Bubba Watson, the 13th ranked golfer in the world,  finished in a tie for 63rd place.  Watson will now work on defending his title at the Travels Championship this week.


Swafford Makes Professional Debut

Hudson Swafford

Hudson Swaffford made his professional golf debut this past week on the Egolf Professional Tour.  Swafford competed in the Bolle Classic in Lexington, NC and finished in a tie for 14th place while carding a four round total of 15 under par.
Swafford is playing again this week on the Egolf Professional Tour in the Cowans Ford Open.  After two rounds at the Cowans Ford Open, Hudson currently sits in third place individually.  results can be found at:
http://tarheel.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/tarheel11/event/tarheel115/contest/1/leaderboard.htm


The Southeastern Amateur

Incoming Freshman Sepp Straka

Current Bulldog Keith Mitchell and incoming Freshman Sepp Straka posted good finishes during the Southeastern Amateur played June 15-18th at Columbus Country Club in Columbus, GA.  Rising Sophomore Mitchell finished 3rd individually at 2 under for the tournament.  Straka, who will begin his first season of college golf this fall,  finished 2nd individually at 3 under par.  

The Northeast Amateur

Northeast Amateur, June 22-25

Both Bryden Macpherson and Harris English are playing this week in the Northeast Amateur.  The Northeast Amateur is one of the best field in amateur golf each summer and is being played for the 50th year this year.  You can follow the scoring live at:
http://www.northeastamateur.com/Default.aspx

Greystone Invitational

Greystone Invitational, June 23-26

Bulldogs Keith Mitchell and Brian Carter are currently competing in the tenth annual Greystone Invitational in Birmingham, Alabama.  All the scoring and results can be found on the tournament website at www.greystoneinvitational.com.  The Greystone Invitational is a four round stroke play tournament played on the Greystone Golf and Country Club's Founders Course.

Macpherson Wins British Amateur

2011 British Amateur Champion, Bryden Macpherson

Georgia golfer Bryden Macpherson won the 116th British Amateur Championship on Saturday, earning spots in this year's British Open and next year's Masters in the process.

Macpherson defeated Scotland's Michael Stewart 3&2 in the final match, joining Doug Bachli (1954) as the only Australians to win the British Amateur.

The 2011 Open Championship will take place July 14-17 at Royal St. George's. The 2012 Masters will be held April 5-8 at Augusta National.

“I can’t believe it just yet," Macpherson said. "It feels pretty good to bridge the gap of 57 years. I hope there are a few proud Aussies having a barbecue. My judgment of speed was awesome today, so that was real important, but the real key to this week was patience. As hard as it was to believe, I had complete confidence that it was going to happen for me this week. I did a really good job of staying out of my own way, and celebrating everything I did well. Staying in the moment was a major key. I love the whole atmosphere of the Amateur Championship. One of the main things is the crowds: it’s amazing how much people love their golf around here. It’s a credit to them."

Macpherson, a rising junior for the Bulldogs shot 75-70 in stroke play, then posted six straight wins in match play to win the British Amateur title. Macpherson went 3-0 in match play as the Bulldogs finished second at the NCAA Championships earlier this month.

Macpherson joins Vinny Giles (1975) as the only Bulldogs to win the British Amateur.

Macpherson In British Amateur Finals

Georgia Golfer, Bryden Macpherson, has played his way through two rounds of stroke play qualifying and dispatched 5 competitors along the way in the match play portion of the British Amateur Championship to make it to the final match today.  

Bryden Macphers is 1 match play win away from The British Am title.

Macpherson qualified 15th in the stroke play portion of the championship and has been unstoppable in match play.  With a win, Macpherson would accomplish the dream of winning the British Amateur title and earning a spot in this year's British Open Champsionship. “The Open is my dream tournament. As the title suggests it’s The Open, and if I could choose to win just one event in my life, I’d choose that one. But I won’t be thinking about that tomorrow.”


Along with an invitation to this year's Open Championship, the winner of the British Amateur also receives an invitation to the 2012 Masters.


The final match can be followed live at:
http://www.randa.org/en/Championship-Golf/Amateur-Championships/Amateur-Championship.aspx

Dawgs Finish Season With Runner-Up Finish at NCAA's

Russell Henley during his last match as a Georgia Bulldog

Stillwater, OK --- The Georgia men's golf team's quest for a national title came up short on Sunday as Augusta State defeated the Bulldogs 3-2 in the finals of the NCAA Championships at Karsten Creek Golf Course.

The Bulldogs got victories from senior Russell Henley and sophomore Bryden Macpherson, each of whom went 3-0 in match play at the NCAAs, but were unable to garner a third decision.

"The guys fought hard and they never gave up," Georgia coach Chris Haack said. "It was a pretty tight match all the way around. I'm proud of these guys. They represented us well. The represented the `G' and everybody should be really proud of them."

Macpherson got Georgia's first point as he defeated Olle Bengtsson 6&4. After sophomore T.J. Mitchell fell to Carter Newman 7&5, Henley put Georgia back ahead with a 3&2 decision over Henrik Norlander. Senior Hudson Swafford dropped a 2&1 match to Mitchell Krywulycz, then senior Harris English fell to Patrick Reed 2&1, giving the Jaguars back-to-back NCAA titles.

"We hung in as best we could," Henley said. "Augusta State is playing really good golf right now, and we knew we'd have to play really good golf against them. We gave it a run. I'm proud of what everybody did to get us here."

Said Macpherson, "To come into the week without having really contended all year and to give it a run to the final is an effort to be proud of no matter what."

Sunday's round marked the final one for Georgia's seniors, all of whom participated in graduation ceremonies last month in Athens.

"The last four years with these guys, you can't replace it," Swafford said. "It's been a dream come true. A win today would have topped it off for sure, but being in position to win it was still awesome."

"Our seniors were very important to the team," Macpherson said. "They mean a lot to the team and the team means a lot to them. I know they're disappointed and sad, but they can be proud of this week for sure."

Click here to watch G-TV's coverage of reaction to the final match results.

Golfweek has a recap of the final match that can be viewed here.

Georgia Golfers To Play For National Championship

Harris English at No. 2 during Semifinals of Saturday's Match Play at the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship at Karsten Creek  photo by Tracy Wilcox

STILLWATER, Okla. --- Russell Henley and Chris Haack were walking down the 10th fairway at the NCAA Championships on Saturday, and the Georgia senior had a request of his coach.

"Russell looked at me and said, `You need to smile. This might be our last time together,'" Haack recalled. "I said, "No it's not. We're going to have another day together.'"

The Bulldogs were all smiles and Haack's words seemed prophetic following Saturday's semifinal match with Duke at Karsten Creek Golf Club. Georgia dispatched the Blue Devils 3-2 with wins from Henley, senior Harris English and sophomore Bryden Macpherson.

With the win, the Bulldogs advanced to Sunday's final against Augusta State. The Jaguars, the 2010 national champs, knocked off Oklahoma State 3-2 on Saturday.

"Getting here is great, but since we're here, we might as well go ahead and try to win it all," Haack said with a laugh. "That's the neat thing about match play and the reason I like this format so much. Now we can go to bed knowing we've got a chance. It's us against them. Nobody's coming out of the pack. That's the fun part of it.

"This is pretty special, having two teams from the state of Georgia in the finals. It's a big deal. Hopefully the folks back home are getting excited about this."

Sunday's final match will be played at 1 p.m. Live scoring and video will be available at NCAA.com.

"It feels really good," English said. "It's what we've been gearing up for all year. We've got three seniors (English, Henley and Hudson Swafford), and this is our final tournament. Having this opportunity really means a lot to us."

"This is the closest we've been to winning a national title," Henley said. "You're gunning for it every year, but this is the closest we've been. We're going to try to enjoy it. A lot of people may get tight, but tomorrow is my last day ever playing college golf, so I'm going to enjoy it."

Macpherson got the Bulldogs' first win as he knocked off Austin Cody 2&1. English followed with a 5&4 decision over Brinson Paolini. Henley closed the match with a 3&2 victory over Tim Gornick.

In the other matches, Duke's Julian Suri topped sophomore T.J. Mitchell 3&2, while Duke's Wes Roach defeated Swafford 2&1.

"There's a lot of excitement on our team," Macpherson said. "We're very happy to be in the position we are. We came in with no pressure. We're just playing golf and things are going the way we planned so far. We're going to keep doing what we're doing, have fun, play the best we can and give it everything we've got."

Haack said Sunday's key could be the leadership provided by the seniors, who are 4-1-1 in the NCAAs thus far.

"Tomorrow is going to be pretty sentimental with those guys," Haack said. "It's been great having them in the lineup. They've been a force for us the last four years. This is what your horses are meant to do - get out there and run for us."


Golfweek has full coverage of all the highlights from the NCAA Championship.  Click here to watch a preview of the final match between the Dawgs and Augusta State.