Special to the News

BRYAN, Texas — The Auburn men’s golf team (302—880) concluded the 2009-10 season Saturday, tying for ninth at the NCAA South Central Regional at the Traditions Golf Club.

Sophomore Will McCurdy (72—214) led all Tigers, carding three consecutive rounds at par or better to tie for 11th. The Fort Payne native’s finish was the highest Auburn NCAA Regional debut since two-time All-SEC Selection Stuart Moore tied for 4th in 2004.

Senior Cole Moreland (76-218) tied for 20th followed by sophomores John Stembridge (75-222) tied for 36th, David Zickler (79-230) tied for 57th and Kyle Kopsick (79-231) tied for 60th.

“We put ourselves in position to make a run at the top five today, but obviously, didn’t have the round we wanted,” said Auburn head coach Nick Clinard. “Regardless, this was a fantastic experience for these guys. Cole Moreland was the only player on our team with any NCAA regional experience. It was very important for our team to advance to a regional this year. You never want to leave the season early, but it was a great learning experience as we prepare Auburn golf to become a championship-caliber program.

“We have come a long way since last year, both on and off the course. The guys worked extremely hard to advance to regionals this year after missing the cut last season. Will McCurdy has consistently proven over the spring that he is becoming a solid golfer with two more great years of collegiate golf ahead of him. The progression he has made over the course of the year has been exciting to watch and a testament to his
work ethic.”

No. 10 Texas Tech (285—851) surpassed host No. 3 Texas A&M (287—852) to claim the team title, while No. 25 TCU (290-858), North Florida (281-859) and Baylor (289—869) advanced to the NCAA Championships on June 2-5 in Ooltewah, Tenn. Baylor defeated Georgia in a one-hole playoff to decide the top five.

No. 16 Georgia (285—869) tied for fifth followed by Pepperdine (303—877), Tulsa (299—879), Auburn, Wichita State (307—880), Rice (306—889), North Carolina (298—910), Georgetown (313—915) and Jackson State (310—983).

Georgia’s Russell Henley (69—207) earned medalist honors, shooting 9-under to advance to Ooltewah as an individual.

The Tigers carded the only two aces in Bryan, with their first coming in the opening round as Moreland sunk his 6-iron tee shot at the 203-yard ninth. McCurdy added another on Friday, draining his 5-iron tee shot on the 210-yard 16th. The South Central Regional marks the first time in school history Auburn has managed two aces in one event.

Moreland finished the 2009-10 season counting 29-of-30 rounds (.967), good for the highest rounds counted percentage since Moore (.987) in 2003-04. Moreland finished his Auburn career with a 73.44 scoring average, the 13th lowest in school history, while his 72.45 average on the season is good for 17th in the record books.

McCurdy’s 214 was the 13th lowest 36-hole total ever scored by an Auburn golfer in regional play.