Silver City, N.M. – Senior and Scotland native, Calum Hill recently participated in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships last May at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Course. Even though Western New Mexico University’s golf team did not reach this year’s championship, Hill was able to compete in the championship individually and finished in second place with an 11-under par.
With a second place finish, Hill was pleased with his performance saying, “Placing second at the NCAA championship was very special and I am very happy to have ended my college career the way I did.”
The NCAA Championship lasted three days and Hill posted two 69’s in the first two rounds and a 67 in the last round (205). Hill had a seven stroke deficit and was able to push his way to only a two stroke deficit down the stretch. Unfortunately, this was as close as Hill came as first place winner Hugo Berand (St. Leo’s) finished with an overall score of 203.
“I’d like to thank my coaches, Head Golf Coach Kent Beatty and Assistant Golf Coach Eric Chavez,” said Hill, “I’d also like to thank all of my teammates.”
Hill began his golfing career at age three and from then on he has earned himself many breaking records and accolades. Some include the Capital One Academic First-Team All-District, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Golfer, Academic Golfer of the Year, and RMAC Golfer of the Week. Just this year, Hill broken the all-time single season scoring record with a 72.03. The recent holder was ex-WNMU Mustang Scott Crichton who Hill knows through his family. Crichton was one of the reason why Hill came to WNMU to play golf.
He just graduated from WNMU this past spring and is coming back to the school to earn his Masters Degree in Business and Administration. Also, Hill’s golfing career is not over as he is coming back also to be assistant coach for the WNMU’s Men’s Golf.
“I don’t want to stop being part WNMU Golf Team,” says Hill. “By becoming the assistant coach, I am able to stay a part of the team but be in a new role.”
Overall, Hill’s college golfing career could not been any better. He posted a best scoring career average low of 73.26, a single season best scoring average of 72, and a career win-loss percentage of 75.7.
“My golfing career was the best decision/time I could have made,” said Hill. “I had great teammates and coaches every year.”
