April 10, 2004

RALEIGH, N.C. - Wake Forest senior Bill Haas, the nation's top ranked golfer, posted three rounds in the 60s to win individual medalist honors by seven strokes at The Courtyard by Marriott Intercollegiate at MacGregor Downs Country Club.

Haas shot 64-69-68 on the par 72, 6,867-yard course to finish at 15-under 201, the third-lowest tournament score in Wake Forest history. The victory was also significant in that it was Haas' ninth-career collegiate title, which ties former Deacon Gary Hallberg as the most individual wins in school history. Hallberg captured nine titles, including the NCAA crown, from 1977-80.

Haas' 64 in Friday's opening round tied a MacGregor Downs course record, but it was his third 64 of the spring season and one stroke shy of his career low 63 set in the fall. It is also the fourth time in his career that he's played an entire tournament in the 60s. No other Wake Forest golfers on record have had more than one such tournament. In the WFU's record books, his 201 this weekend trails only the 195 he shot at the Jerry Pate this past fall. Chris Kite originally set the school record with a 195 in 1986.

Haas' nearest competitor this weekend was Georgia Southern's Aron Price, who finished second at eight-under 208.

Duke captured team champion honors with a 15-stroke victory over Kansas, the 36-hole leader. The Blue Devils scorched the 12-team field with a 19-under 845. Wake Forest dropped from fourth to sixth in the final round, finishing at seven-over 871 for the tournament (286-291-294).

Deacon junior Doug Manchester, competing as an individual, posted a career-best finish with a four-over 220. Manchester shot 76-71-73 to tie for 30th overall.

Freshman Sean Moore and senior Buck Williams, tied for 46th after 36 holes, remained tied and moved up to 43rd after both turned in a 73 on Saturday. The duo finished seven over for the tournament.

Sophomore Kyle Reifers tied his worst round of the season, shooting an 80 on Saturday and dropping to a tie for 49th place at eight-over 224.

Freshman Matt McLean, competing in his first event of the spring, remained in 81st with a 39-over 255.

Next up for Wake Forest golf is the 51st annual ACC Championship, held next weekend (April 16-18) at Old North State Club in Uwharrie Point, N.C.

The Courtyard by Marriott Intercollegiate
MacGregor Downs Country Club/Raleigh, N.C.
par 72/6,867 yards

6th WFU 286-291-294 871 +6
1st Bill Haas 64-69-68 201 -15
t30th Doug Manchester 76-71-73 220 +4
t43rd Sean Moore 75-75-73 223 +7
t43rd Buck Williams 72-78-73 223 +7
t49th Kyle Reifers 75-69-80 224 +8
81st Matt McLean 88-83-84 255 +39