UNCW men's golf ready for NCAA tournament

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Fresh off a Colonial Athletic Association championship, the UNCW men's golf team has its eyes set on the NCAA tournament.

The Seahawks will compete in the NCAA Regionals in Bryan, Texas, starting Monday.

"We want to go out there and show what we got," said UNCW senior Austin Inman. "I think we are a solid team, and we can show the world what UNCW is all about."

The regional UNCW is playing in is one of two that has 13 teams. The other two regionals have 14 teams. The top five advance the NCAA Championship.

"Statically, it's better" Inman said. "One less team is one easier spot to get in so that one less, it is big for us."
"We have seen great teams all season long so we know we just have to play well from the beginning," said UNCW interim head coach Daniel Bowden.

Bowden took over for Matt Clark, who left for an assistant coaching job at North Carolina.

Seniors Thomas Eldridge and Patrick Cover are the only Seahawks who have played in the NCAAs. Eldridge is passing along his experience to his teammates.

"It's the same thing. It's just more golf," said senior Thomas Eldridge. "There are just NCAA signs and better teams. But I think we can compete with anyone, and we have to keep that in mind. We are just as good as anyone there."

One of the most important things is for the team to start strong.

"This year, we have really finished strong," said Bowden, "so we have echoed all year that we need to start the way we are finishing. Then, we are one of the best teams in the country."

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