Hernandez Advances to NCAA Golf Championship for First Appearance in Program History
AUSTIN, TEXAS. – Kelvin Hernandez of the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men’s golf team finished as the top individual not on an advancing team at the NCAA Regionals on Wednesday at The University of Texas Golf Club to advance to the NCAA Championship. The freshman finished in a tie for third place.
Attached Photo: Kelvin Hernandez (credit: Brandon McKinney)
Hernandez’ spot in the NCAA Championship marks the first time in program history a Spartan has advanced to the finals.
“It was an exciting day out there we knew we had a chance as a team to make it to nationals but it’s unfortunate we didn’t make it,” said Hernandez “I was feeling pretty good all week about my game, and I was playing pretty well all day. I made a couple of birdies coming in which were crucial for me to make it to Nationals. Those last couple of holes were nerve wracking but I kept myself composed and got it done. I’m super excited for next week and enjoy that experience at Carlsbad.”
“The entire team had a fantastic week, led by Kelvin,” said Head Coach Terrance Stewart. “This team had a fantastic season and competed really well this week. We are all very proud of Kelvin. He competed very strongly in his first season, and we can’t wait to see him compete at Nationals. This is a really big moment for the UNCG golf program, to have someone compete at Nationals for the first time ever.”
TEAM
UNCG finished in a tie for seventh place after recording rounds of 288-285-290 for an 11-over-par (863).
The Spartans finished ahead of Georgia, Arkansas State, Arkansas, Kansas City, San Jose State and Grand Canyon.
The Spartans’ tie for seventh place ties their best finish at the NCAA Regionals as the team also finished in a tie for seventh place during the 2014 season.
Texas finished on top at the Austin Regional with a 27-under-par (825).
UNCG tied in leading all teams with 177 pars and finished third in the field with a 3.17 par threes average.
INDIVIDUAL
Hernandez carded a three-under-par (68) in the third for an overall score of six-under-par (207). The freshman’s best round score of the tournament came in the opening round, tying his career best with a. four-under-par (67).
Hernandez’ third place finish is the best in program history at the NCAA Regionals. UNCG alum Nick Lyerly came close to an advancement to the finals in the 2022 season, finishing in a tie for 15th place.
Hernandez was one of 13 individuals in the region to record an eagle.
Randall Hudson came behind Hernandez to finish in a tie for 25th place behind a one-over-par (72) in the final round. Hudson’s best round of the tournament came in the second round with an even par (71) to finish with a two-over-par (215).
Hudson finished second on the course with 41 pars.
Noah Connor finished in a tie for 38th place after recording a five-over-par (218). Connor’s best score came in the second round with a two-under-par (69).
Symon Balbin notched a 10-over-par (223) to finish in a tie for 54th place.
After coming in as a sub, Jack Marcotte posted rounds of 75-79 in the second and third rounds.
Tommy Lamb started in the five spot on Monday with a six-over-par (77).
Up Next:
Hernandez will compete in the 2024 NCAA Championship from Friday, May 24 to Wednesday, May 29 hosted by the University of Texas at Austin and held at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
Courtesy of Emma White
Strategic Communications Coordinator
UNC Greensboro