Kim Paces Army at NCAA Regionals, Forces Playoff

Wednesday, May 18

Albuquerque, NM

All Day

Army West Point

NCAA Regionals

Kim Paces Army at NCAA Regionals, Forces Playoff

May 18, 2016 | Men's Golf

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Peter Kim's outstanding showing at the NCAA Regionals Tournament at the Championship Course led the Army West Point golf team to 12th place. Kim's five-over forced an individual playoff with Texas A&M's Cameron Champ to decipher which player would advance to the NCAA Championships.

"Although we didn't play our best, it was a great experience for the team moving forward," said head coach Brian Watts. "At the beginning of the year, our goal was not only to make it to regionals, but to make it to the finals. I know the team was disappointed, but they should hold their heads high because they had a great year and accomplished many good things on and off the golf course. Coming into the tournament we felt confident and well prepared, and to post the scores that we did was a bit unfortunate."

In Wednesday's final round, Kim finished one-under and sunk two birdies. On the 11th, the junior holed a tough birdie putt before tapping in for birdie at the turn. Kim recorded a par on each hole except those two putts and on the fifth hole where he carded his only blemish of the day. Throughout the tournament, Kim tallied par 32 times and had 10 birdies and finished above eight golfers who are ranked in the top 100.

At the conclusion of the round, Kim awaited his fate as San Diego State and Texas A&M were in a team playoff for fifth place. Depending on the outcome, he would either be in an individual playoff against Champ or be the individual representative in the NCAA National Championship in Eugene, Ore.

"There were a lot of positives from this week," said Kim. "I knew coming into this tournament what it was going to be like. I felt more comfortable having been here once before, and knowing I had the support of my teammates was a difference maker. Being able to play with the team instead of playing individually makes it a lot better. I was very satisfied with how I played. I knew I could play amongst the top guys here, I believed in myself and played my game.

"I went into today planning to put the ball in the right places, knowing where to miss and knowing what options were available on the course. Staying patient is tough on a difficult course; you're not always going to get the outcome you want, you just have to anticipate bad breaks and deal with it one hole at a time and I think that is something I exceled at today."

The Aztecs won the team playoff after carding a double eagle. This forced the individual playoff between Kim and Champ. They each birdied on the first hole, but an eagle from Champ gave him the advantage and enabled him to become the individual representative in Oregon.

Kim closed-out the tournament five-over and tied for seventh after totaling 221 strokes. The effort tied his NCAA low score from 2014 and put him third all-time of Black Knights with NCAA appearances.

"Peter played a great round of golf today and gave himself many opportunities, but unfortunately a few birdie attempts didn't fall," said Watts. "It was some of the best golf I have seen all year in championship conditions. I know he will learn a lot from this experience. To have the opportunity to play head-to-head in a sudden death playoff for a trip to the National Championships will only benefit the growth of his game as well as his teammates'."

Dean Sakata finished the NCAA Regional with a 23-over score of 78-82-79—239 (+23) to place in a tie for 57th. In the final 18-holes, Sakata went seven-over with one birdie on the day. Eric Peng and Marcus Plunkett completed their collegiate careers this week in the regional tournament. Peng ended in a tie for 61st with 241 strokes, while Plunkett was 64th with a 26-over score. Justin Pagila rounded out the Black Knights' roster finishing tied for 65th slot with 243 strokes and a 78 on the final day.

As a team, the Cadets shot a 308 in the final round to close-out the tournament with a tied for 12th finish and 941 strokes. Arizona State (+12), TCU (+24), Southern California (+31), South Florida (+35) and San Diego State (+40) were the low five teams to advance to the championships.

"The Army golf team has a lot to be proud of for their accomplishments this year," Watts added. "I know they will all be hungry and eager to start the 2016-17 season in August with the goal of returning to post season. It is always difficult to watch your seniors play in their last collegiate event and we will greatly miss Marcus' and Eric's leadership on and off the golf course.

"Eric will be back next fall and we hope that he will be able to continue his mentorship with the team until graduation. Marcus has done an incredible job as team captain and really put the team on his shoulders this season. He was a great role model and helped develop a winning culture within the program. We wish him nothing but the best as he commissions as a second lieutenant upon graduation this weekend, and I know he will be a terrific Army officer."

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