For the second time this summer, the Florida Atlantic University mens golf program will be represented in an United States Golf Association tournament, with junior Carl McCauley qualifying for the United States Amateur Championship August 23 through August 29 at the Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Washington. McCauley had consecutive under-par scores to tie for first place in a qualifying tournament earlier this week at the Jacaranda Golf Club in Plantation. He had the lead after posting a two-under-par 69 on July 26, and followed with a 70 score during the dramatic final round. The U.S. Amateur is the best tournament of the summer schedule. It is definitely the biggest tournament I have ever qualified for, said McCauley, a Parkland native. The pace of play on the back nine slowed up a little bit [during the final round]. I bogeyed the 17th hole to still have a one-stroke lead at least thats what I thought. I then learned that another player had tied me on leader board. I remained focused and tried to play my game. With the top two players advancing, I knew what I had to do to advance. McCauley joins senior Kelly McHugh in qualifying for a USGA national tournament. McHugh played in the United States Public Links Championship in North Carolina in the beginning of July. I am happy that Carl will experience the thrill of playing in a USGA event, said Angelo Sands, FAU mens golf coach. As a tournament participant, each player receives a USGA player’s badge. That badge is something players cherish for their entire lifetime. McCauley will prepare for the U.S. Amateur championship by competing in the Florida State Amateur Match Play from Thursday, August 5 through Sunday, August 8 in Jupiter. That tournament will conclude a busy summer preparing for his third season with the Owls. The Florida Amateur Match Play should be a good test, he said. I dont get the opportunity to play match play very often and it is a prestigious tournament with many fine players. Meanwhile, McCauley is looking forward to help McHugh in leading the FAU to a successful 2010-11 season. Kelly has been playing well this summer, McCauley said. I have been hitting ball well and have been playing a lot of rounds with [FAU teammate] Justin Thompson, who is really playing well. I think we are going to have a great year. We only lost one guy from last year and I believe the other guys have shown considerable improvement. The fact that two team members have qualified for USGA national events has to provide great encouragement, and motivate others to have similar success. McCauley tallied a 74 scoring average during the 2009-10 season and had a top 10 individual finish during FAUs Spring Break Championship that featured a strong national field.
