Willie Mack III, a product of Bethune-Cookman College, an HBCU in Daytona, Florida, had a dream run on the U.S. Open Championship. Enjoying on the historic Pinehurst No.2 in North Carolina, he had the chance to compete for the U.S. Nationwide Championship.
Mack performed effectively, placing himself in rivalry to make the 36-hole elimination minimize. Nonetheless, the pin placement and quick greens on the minimize day left no room for error, resulting in Mack’s elimination from rivalry. In accordance with HBCU Gameday, Mack completed with a 10-over-par 80 within the second spherical.
Regardless of his early exit, Mack’s journey to the U.S. Open as an HBCU alum garnered consideration and assist from followers. His experiences on the APGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour have ready him to try for normal participation on the PGA Tour.
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(@williemack3)This marked a major second for HBCU alums in golf, because it had been since 2015 when a consultant from an HBCU certified for the U.S. Open.
Mack began robust on the entrance 9 with three birdies and 6 pars, ending with a rating of 38. Nonetheless, he struggled on the again 9, carding a 42 and totaling 11-over-par for the event.
The U.S. Open proved to be a difficult event for a lot of golfers, as even massive names like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Rickie Fowler did not make the minimize. Regardless of the robust competitors, Mack’s efficiency was commendable till the ultimate 9 holes, which halted his momentum.
Willie Mack III essential feed protection
— Lifelong Jamo Truther #VierlingASG (@MelvinIzzoIII) June 13, 2024
Willie Mack III is an HBCU alum! We gotta assist! #HBCUPride @BethuneCookman
Willie Mack III lived in his automobile for over a yr. Now he’s dwelling his dream on the US Open https://t.co/EuhSXuRhrb
— 6-0-9-1 NOMAD (@DamonAndrew) June 15, 2024
There was widespread assist for Mack’s run on social media. The Fb group “Black Golf Alliance” had quite a few posts backing Mack’s run and shared their experiences with him throughout his profession. HBCU teams additionally took be aware of Mack’s run, though many had been solely conscious of his time at B-CU and never his skilled profession.
There are presently 20 HBCUs with golf applications. Willie Mack III’s latest efficiency on the U.S. Open is pivotal for HBCU golf, amplifying the visibility and recognition of the expertise and potential inside these applications. His success has the potential to ignite larger curiosity and assist, translating into enhanced funding, sources, and alternatives for HBCU golfers to excel at elite ranges and appeal to high recruits.
Regardless of falling simply wanting the height of his profession, Willie Mack has gained many new followers. The resilient journeyman will proceed to grind his approach to alternatives, making the HBCU nation proud alongside the way in which.
