The University of South Florida men’s golf team will compete in the NCAA Regionals starting Monday, May 12, at The Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio. The Bulls are seeking a top-five finish among 13 teams to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
This marks the team’s tenth appearance in the NCAA Regionals over the past eleven seasons, not counting the year canceled due to COVID-19. Head coach Steve Bradley said, “We have underachieved and not performed at our best level. We haven’t been able to put it together for all three rounds. We had 10 regular-season events and played nine different lineups. We’ve never had a season like that.” He added, “There has been change. There have been bumps and bruises along the way. There has been growth. I’m optimistic that our best is still to come.”
Wilhelm Ryding, named American Conference Player of the Year and ranked No. 61 nationally with a 69.9 stroke average, leads USF this season. Reflecting on his development as a player, Ryding said, “Golf is a lot like life.” He described how he adjusted his approach after working closely with Bradley: “Everything began to click,” Ryding said about their collaboration during tournaments.
Bradley praised Ryding’s growth: “Willie has been great for us, really becoming somebody who we can count on… You wanted to see if Willie could step into the prominent role and he has definitely done that.” He noted areas where Ryding continues to improve: “He’s close and he’s extremely frustrated he hasn’t gotten that done… He’s continuing to work on it and continuing to get better.”
Ryding expressed pride in being part of USF’s tradition: “The guys who know me, they know I really want to win and I want my team to win… Having a winning attitude and doing the right things — for myself and my team — I’d like to be remembered for that.” With another year ahead at USF, both Bradley and Ryding see opportunities for further achievements.
Looking ahead at postseason play, Bradley reflected on last year’s run from conference runner-up into NCAA Championships qualification: “If Willie has a nice postseason here in the NCAA Regionals and hopefully beyond… he certainly can be (remembered) as one of the top four or five players to come through here at USF,” Bradley said.
Summarizing expectations for both individuals and team success this spring, Bradley concluded: “We’ve done a good job with this program by elevating what the standards are… Not only do we have great facilities, great weather and great schedule but we’re going play in postseason each year… That’s what you want to do and we still have a chance to have a very memorable season.”
