May 5, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS - The NCAA Men's Golf Committee has rewarded the University of Memphis men's golf team for a stellar season by extending it an invitation to compete in the East Regional of the NCAA Championships. The regional will take place at the Council Fire Golf Club in Chattanooga, Tenn. on May 15-17.

The NCAA field is made up of 81 teams with 27 teams competing in three separate regionals. The Tigers earned an at-large bid after finishing third in the Conference USA Championships. The Tigers finished in the top five in six of eight events this spring.

Head men's golf coach Grant Robbins has led the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1988. Robbins, in his fifth year at the helm of his alma matter, was recognized as the 2008 Conference USA Coach of the Year.

"We're very excited to get an at-large bid for regionals," said Robbins. "It's a very deserving reward for players who worked hard this year. We've been playing our best golf at end of year and feel like we have a good chance of advancing to the National Championships."

Seniors Ian Rochester and Robbie Greenwell have garnered individual accolades this season, each receiving All-Conference USA honors. Rochester, a Cordova native, was named to the first team and Greenwell, a native of Georgetown, Ontario, was named second team all-conference.

Rochester won C-USA Golfer of the Week honors after his win at the Charleston Southern Spring Invitational and Greenwell won the award after winning the Linger Longer Invitational and also was named Co-Golfer of the Week after placing fifth at the River Landing Intercollegiate. Greenwell also finished fifth in the C-USA Championships and earned a spot on the All-Tournament team.

Junior Brad Benjamin (3.82 GPA) earned a spot on the C-USA All-Academic Team, becoming the league's first two-time recipient of the award. Sophomore Brandon Bunn and senior Kyle Ritchie have been solid contributors to the team's successful season as well.

For a complete list of all NCAA men's golf regionals, visit www.ncaa.com.