Thompson, Wheeler, Open Play at NCAA Golf Regional
May 18, 2005 | Men's Golf
May 18, 2005
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tulane men's golfers Michael Thompson and Chris Wheeler continue to add to their Green Wave golf legacies Thursday when they open play at the 2005 NCAA East Regional Thursday at the Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs, Tenn.
Thompson, a sophomore from Tucson, Ariz. who was a first-team All-Conference USA selection, tees off on the 10th hole at 1:03 p.m. in the first group of individuals, while Wheeler, a senior who was named to the Conference USA All-Decade team earlier this year, goes off at 1:12 p.m. on hole number 10. They are two of just six individuals selected to play in the East Regional as Tulane is the only team with two individuals in the tournament.
Tulane head coach Tom Shaw is excited to have the chance to coach in the Regional for the first time during his Green Wave tenure.
"It's a great honor to be a coach here, especially with two players in the tournament," Shaw said. "This is where the best teams are at this time of year, and it's nice to be a part of that, whether you have your entire team or individuals like I have. It's a special environment, just a different atmosphere than a regular season event or even a conference tournament."
Shaw said he welcomes the chance for the players who have led his team all season long to step up and compete with the best in the nation.
"Both Michael and Chris are playing well," Shaw said. "I've watched them all day during the practice round, and both seem to be near the top of their games, but this is the toughest regional and they have some incredible competition to play against. I'm excited because it will be their first opportunity to play versus some of the top-ranked teams and players in the nation, so I'm anxious to see how they fare."
Thompson carded a stroke average of 72.7 in 33 rounds this season and recorded five Top 10 finishes with a pair of tournament victories - at the Raising Cane Classic and the NOKIA Sugar Bowl Tulane Invitational. Wheeler, a second team All-Conference USA choice from Allen, Texas, nearly matched Thompson with a stroke average of 72.8 and five Top 10 finishes, including a runner-up showing at the Rio Pinar Intercollegiate. Wheeler also led Tulane at the Conference USA Championships by tying for sixth while helping the Green Wave to its best ever finish - third -- at the league tournament.
Shaw said that the beautiful Golf Club of Tennessee Course will provide an excellent test for the Regionals.
"The course is one of the most beautiful I have seen," he said. "It's a great venue for NCAA Regionals here in the mountains of Tennessee. It's in wonderful shape, and both Michael and Chris feel very good about the course. This course will test all facets of the game but the winner is going to be the guy who putts the best. Everyone feels comfortable on the greens and we'll tee it up and see where we stack up."
The 54-hole tournament will run May 19-21 with the top 10 teams and two individuals not on qualifying teams advancing to the NCAA Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Md. June 1-4.
Fans can follow the NCAA East Regional results live on the internet at www.golfstat.com.
-- Roll Wave --
