Matt Hill Climbs To The Top Of The NCAA

Hill joins past champions like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, 3-time winners Ben Crenshaw and Phil Mickelson, as well as James Lepp of Abbotsford, BC, the first Canadian NCAA medalist who won in 2005 while playing for the University of Washington Huskies.

Both Lepp and Hill both secured their historic victories by coming from behind to win.

A sophomore at North Carolina State, whose phenomenal Atlantic Conference NCAA season includes eight victories---seven of those in 2009 and five in a row---the 20-year-old Hill finished at 6-under 207 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, two shots ahead of Clemson's Kyle Stanley.

Two off the lead through 10 holes Thursday, Hill made three birdies coming down the stretch to take over the lead.

"I'm pretty pumped up, that's for sure, and a little bit relieved at the same time," said Hill, a member of Canada's national amateur team.

Fellow Canadian Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, BC tied for ninth place at (70-70-73) even par 213. His University of Washington teammate, Darren Wallace of Langley, BC tied for 23rd at (72-72-72) 216. Oregon University junior Eugene Wong of North Vancouver tied for 89 at (75-72-78) 12-over 225 while Brady Johnson of Mill Bay, BC wound up tied for 96th and Ontario's Matt Hoffman tied for 113th.

As of May 15th Hill was ranked the number seven amateur golfer in the world with Taylor ranked number three. However, when the new R & A World Amateur golf rankings are released this weekend it is anticipated Hill will become the number one Amateur.

There is also an excellent chance Hill could be named NCAA Player of the Year. Without doubt, however, he is on track to be named Canada's Golfer of the Year, amateur and professional.

Other Canadians listed among the world's top 100 amateurs are No. 86 Adam Hadwin and No. 88 Darren Wallace, both of Langley. Eugene Wong is ranked No. 120. Brady Johnson is No. 135.

Among professionals, Mike Weir is ranked No. 23 in the world, Stephen Ames is No. 48. James Lepp, who turned pro in 2007 is ranked 16th in Canada, 819th in the world.

While Hill's record during the 2008/2009 season earned him an exemption into the NCAA finals his college team, the North Carolina State Wolfpack, did not make it.

A total of 35 U.S. college teams participated through three rounds of stroke play and eight have qualified to continue today and Saturday in a match play format---introduced for the first time this season---for the U.S. team championship.

Taylor and Wallace will continue playing, hoping to lead their 5th ranked U. Washington Huskies to the school's first national title.