Record-Breaking Top-Five Finish for Clay at TPC at Deere Run
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
SILVIS, Ill. – (Results) For the first time in history as a program, Reinhardt's Hunter Clay was named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team after finishing in a tie for fifth place at the 2021 NAIA Men's Golf National Championships at TPC at Deere Run in Illinois on Friday.
The sophomore from Woodstock, Ga., finished plus-4 for the Championship (eight shots behind the winner, Corey Matthey of Morningside (Iowa)) after a Friday round of 73 (+2).
Clay put together a four-day total of 288: 74, 71, 70, 73.
"Really impressive to watch," head coach Evans Nichols said. "I've played with a lot of great players at Reinhardt that had a lot of success. Now, Hunter has probably the best accomplishment in the history of the golf program at Reinhardt. Hunter is a true gentleman and represented Reinhardt very well on the biggest stage in the country in the NAIA. He displayed his ability to focus for 72 holes of golf. He maintained his composure through the good and bad shots for 72 holes of golf as well, and he trusted himself and his ability throughout the entire tournament.
"He's motivated to get better and have an even better finish next year."
He put himself in this position after making the cut following round two. The National Championships qualifiers were cut down to the top 17 teams and top 40 individuals, including ties, leading into the final rounds of play in the next two days.
Clay made the cut (T15) after moving up 13 spots on Wednesday thanks to an even-par round of 71. His strong play would continue on the last two days as he moved up the leaderboard 10 more spots to the finish.
As a team, Reinhardt finished in 21st overall.
For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook, @RU_Eagles on Twitter and @ru_eagles on Instagram.
For more information on Reinhardt Men's Golf, please click here.