HPU Men’s Golf MacDougall Shoots 72 on First Day at NCAA Regional

RALEIGH, N.C. – High Point University men’s golf sophomore Brendan MacDougall opened his postseason play with a +1 (72) in the first round of the NCAA Regional at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course on Monday.

MacDougall, the first player in the program’s Division I era to advance to regional play, battled nerves early posting back-to-back bogeys on the first two holes. However, the sophomore settled in nicely from there racking up four birdies in the last 11 holes to finish the first day tied for 47th in a tight field.

“This was Brendan’s first regional round and half of the battle is just getting comfortable in this atmosphere as soon as possible,” head coach Brady Gregor said. “There were several time he faced adversity out there today and how he handled it shows the growth he has made over these last two years. He is still in this and we are looking for a good round on moving day tomorrow.”

After those first two holes, the Calgary, Alberta product recorded five straight pars followed by a birdie on eight to get to one-over. After bogeying the ninth, MacDougall tallied birdies on the 11th, 15th and 17th to finish with a +1 (72). Overall, MacDougall is tied for third in the field in par-3 scoring after going 2.80 on the five par-3s on Monday.

“There were definitely nerves on the first few holes that I didn’t handle as well as I would have liked, but I fought hard for the rest of the round,” MacDougall added. “I am excited to get back out there and try to go low tomorrow.”

MacDougall will tee off at 9:53 a.m. from the first hole on Tuesday for the second round in the event.