McCarthy Eyes Day Two Comeback

Course: Penn State Blue Course | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,228

The freshman, playing in only his second competition at the intercollegiate level, was steady throughout the first 15 holes in his opening round of 18. Late into the round, McCarthy found himself in the hunt before surrendering seven strokes over the final few holes due to hazards and an unforgiving stretch to end day one’s competition.

Before the tough stretch, McCarthy was a mere handful of strokes behind the nation’s leader that ended with a +2 on the day. McCarthy ended with an 87 – good for a +15 in the opening round of play at the national championship event.

Currently sitting in 53rd place, McCarthy and head coach Frank McAuliffe are hopeful to climb back into the top 30 and challenge the pack ahead of him with another solid outing in day two.

“It’s tough to dwell on the final few holes after putting together a great day,” said McCarthy. “Simply put, it wasn’t the way I wanted it to end and I look forward to competing once again tomorrow.”

“Ian was solid today,” stated McAuliffe. “It was a little rough at the end, but overall he did many great things on a very tough course. We are hopeful to finish in the top 30 after tomorrow’s round of 18 is complete.”

McCarthy’s comeback attempt begins when he tees off at 9:00am Tuesday (Oct. 9) for day two from State College, Pennsylvania.