Success continues for men's and women's golf teams

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas men’s and women’s golf teams have both reached new heights and new successes in 2009. As both teams begin the postseason, a quick inspection shows how the programs have taken different paths to reach those heights. In her second year as the head coach of the women’s team, Shauna Estes-Taylor guided the Razorbacks to a second-place SEC Championship finish, a tie for fifth at the West Regional and an eighth-place NCAA Championship finish last year. The program’s success continues this year with a tie for second at last weekend’s SEC Championships giving Arkansas the program’s second back-to-back top five finish in the league event. Arkansas has remained in the top 25 much of the season and stands poised to receive the program’s seventh consecutive NCAA Regional bid. Brad McMakin is also in his second season at the helm of the Razorback men’s team and he too, has guided Arkansas to a second-place SEC Championship finish and a top 25 ranking this year. McMakin’s path to this year’s good play was a bit different from Estes-Taylor, however. The men’s team finished last at the previous two SEC Championships and made a Central Regional Championship appearance last year finishing tied for 19th. “The team has been working hard,” said McMakin after the SEC Championships. “They have been improving and they played well this weekend.” “This team has worked so hard since August,” said Estes-Taylor. “They give it everything they have every week they play. I’m proud of the effort they’ve shown all year long.” Both the Razorback men’s and women’s teams are expecting Regional bids. The men will travel to Austin, Texas, for the Central Regional and the women will be sent to one of three regional sites depending on the seeding. For more information about both the men’s and women’s golf teams at Arkansas, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.