International Competitions :: Palmer Cup :: U.S. Player Withdraws

July 1, 2002

NORMAN, Okla. - Georgia Tech golfer and United States Palmer Cup selection, Troy Matteson sustained a back injury last month and has been ordered by doctors to withdraw from the competition. Matteson, who won the NCAA individual championship last month, could be out of golf for as much as 6-8 weeks while recovering from the injury according to Georgia Tech coach Bruce Heppler.

"I feel bad for Troy. Not being able to make the trip to Ireland with us has to be a disappointment to such a tough competitor," said U.S. coach Chris Haack. I know he would have been a great leader on our tremendously talented team, and I certainly wish him a speedy recovery."

Replacing Matteson on the U.S. Palmer Cup team is University of Washington sophomore, Brock Mackenzie. Mackenzie will join seven other top American college golfers in the match-play competition against eight collegians from Great Britain and Ireland July 11-12 at Doonbeg Golf Club in County Clare, Ireland.

"Brock proved over the course of the season that he deserves to play in the Palmer Cup," said Haack. "He is an amazing player, and I expect that he will be an invaluable contributor to the team."

Mackenzie earned second team PING All-America honors for his play during the 2001-02 college season. He posted 11 top-10 finishes in 14 tournaments, including wins at the Cleveland Golf Classic and The Prestige. Mackenzie's stroke average of 71.06 set Washington's single-season record, shattering the previous mark of 72.4.