May 28, 2007

Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader

Wake Forest will compete in the NCAA Men's Golf Championships for the 42nd time beginning Wednesday at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Course in Williamsburg, Va.

The 22nd-ranked Demon Deacons qualified for the NCAA Championships May 17-19 at the NCAA West Regional in Tempe, Ariz. Wake Forest, which shot 25-under in the 54-hole tournament, finished in a three-way tie for ninth place. In a playoff, Wake Forest and East Tennessee State edged Oregon State for the final two NCAA berths.

Last year in Sunriver, Ore., Wake Forest was one of the biggest surprises in the NCAA Championships. The Deacons finished tied for third and were in the hunt for their fourth national title until the last hole.

Deacons Searching For Fourth NCAA Crown

Wake Forest brings a tradition of postseason success to Williamsburg:

- The Deacons have won three NCAA championships, most recently in 1986 when Wake Forest hosted the event at Bermuda Run and came from behind in the final round. The Deacons captured back-to-back NCAA titles in 1974 and 1975.

- Gary Hallberg in 1979, Jay Haas in 1975 and Curtis Strange in 1974 all captured individual medalist honors at the NCAA Championships. Arnold Palmer was the stroke play medalist in 1949 and 1950.

- Since Wake Forest captured its first NCAA crown in 1974, only Oklahoma State (9 titles) and Houston (4) have won the event more often.

- Since 1974, the Deacons have finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Championships 15 times, finished in the top five 10 times and in the top two five times.

- Recently, Wake Forest has finished in the top five two times over the last four years. The Deacons finished tied for third last year and in 2003 they tied for fourth.

- Wake Forest is making its 42nd NCAA Championship appearance overall.

- The Deacons have qualified for the NCAA Championship three consecutive years and four times in the last five years.

- Wake Forest won back-to-back NCAA East Regional titles in 2005 and 2006.

- Twelve former Deacon players who played in the NCAA Championships are now competing on the PGA or Champions tours.

Deacons Bring Mix Of Youth, Experience

Last year at the NCAA Championships in Oregon, Wake Forest battled eventual champion Oklahoma State to the wire before finishing in a tie for third place. Three current Deacons played in that event and Wake Forest coach Jerry Haas is hoping that experience pays off this year.

"Last year we were able to make a little noise in the tournament," Haas said. "We're hoping that carries over to this year."

Senior Sean Moore and juniors Webb Simpson and Chris McCartin will all play in the NCAA Championships for the third time. Sophomore Dustin Groves and freshman Brendan Gielow will both be making their career postseason debuts. Last year Simpson and Moore both shot 2-over 290 for the tournament and tied for 32nd place. McCartin was two strokes back at 292 and in 42nd place. In 2005, Moore finished tied for 24th at 9-over. Simpson, McCartin and the team did not make the cut.