Matthew Watkins Earns Top-30 Finish at NCAA Championship

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. –– The New Mexico men’s golf team concluded play at the 2023 NCAA Championship on Monday with the fourth round at Grayhawk Golf Club. Junior Matthew Watkins was playing the final round after making the cut as an individual as the Lobos finished T-25th as a team following Sunday’s third round.

Watkins shot a final round 72 on Monday to finish in 28th place at 3-over for the tournament. It was the best individual finish by a Lobo at the NCAA Championship in a decade when Gavin Green finished T-26th in 2013.

Earlier in the event, Watkins opened the tournament with a 4-under 66, tied for the lowest round at a NCAA final in program history. He shot 72 on Saturday and 73 on Sunday to finish with a total of 283, the lowest 72-hole total in UNM history.

“Playing in this event, with the crowds and television, it is definitely fun but also a little nerve-wracking at times,” said Watkins. “You get used to it and enjoy this level. The first round, I had my whole game and everything was going well. The rest of the week, I stayed competitive and made some shots. This week definitely made me more aware of how good I can be when I’m at my best, and how I can compete even when I’m don’t have my best.”