McKinlay Wins First NCAA Golf Tournament
Ridgetown’s Crawford McKinlay took his first NCAA golf title over the weekend winning the Motor City Invitational – Photo courtesy of Wayne State Athletics
After shooting back to back rounds of 73, McKinlay found himself tied with Wayne State teammate Austin Hill of Troy, Michigan.
On the first playoff hole, McKinlay chipped in for birdie, defeating his Wayne State Warriors teammate, and capturing the Motor City Invite championship. McKinlay and Hill entered the playoff holes tied at 146, 5 strokes ahead of the next best golfer.
Playing for the Wayne State ‘B’ team at the tournament, McKinlay’s ‘B’ squad also tied Findlay University for second in team scoring.
A graduate of Ridgetown District High School, Crawford McKinlay is a former Kent high school golf champion, and also has several tournament victories while competing on the Jamieson Junior Golf tour over the last several seasons.
Majoring in majoring in business administration and marketing, McKinlay was a red shirted freshman last year, not playing in events major events to maintain his eligibility. His opening win however, would serve to prove he is ready to make the step into full time NCAA action this season.
McKinlay’s younger brother, Carson, also competed on the Jamieson Tour this past summer, and recently finished third at the LKSSAA golf championships. Both are members at Ridgetown Golf Club.
Crawford McKinlay and the Wayne State University Warriors will now prepare this week for their final Fall tournament of the NCAA season. The Warriors will travel to compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships in Georgetown, Kentucky. The championship will take place at Cherry Blossom Golf Course, beginning Friday, October 10.