Fresno State Athletics
Watney Leading Golf Team USA Over Japan
 |  Nick Watney shot a five-under par 67 in the first round as Team USA leads Japan 23-13. |
July 5, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State sophomore golfer Nick Watney continues to prove why he is one of the nation's premier golfers. Watney has taken his game to the international ciruit competing in Japan this week the 26th Annual Fuji Xerox USA vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Challenge.
Watney is one of eight American men and four women competing for Team USA in the 26th Annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship at Verde Sano Country Club in Sano, Tochini, Japan. Watney and his teammates lead Japan 23-13 heading into today's final round of competition. Play concludes today at Verde Sano Country Club with singles stroke-play matches. Team USA needs 8 points to secure its seventh straight victory.
The 2001 WAC Player of the Year and second-team All-American, Watney was Team USA's top player in the first round, firing a five-under par 67. He shot even par 72 in the second round to halve his match play dual with Yoshiaki Kimura, Japan's top player.
The teams were tied 6-6 after the first round, but Team USA picked up 17 points in the second round.
"The men really had a solid day today," said USA men's coach Rick LaRose. "I think we're starting to get our legs under us a little bit, get a little more sleep now, and we're starting to play like we are capable of playing all the time."
Watney, who placed 13th at the NCAA championships last month, was selected for the Team USA based on his play during the 2000-01 college season. He was ranked as high as fifth in the nation during the year.