McCallie's Patrick McDonald to play golf for Memphis

photo McCallie's Patrick McDonald hits his second shot in the fairway at No. 11 in this 2012 file photo.

Patrick McDonald's sensational summer has landed him a college scholarship.

The McCallie senior has given a commitment to continue his golf career at the University of Memphis, beginning in the 2014 fall semester.

"It felt like a good fit for me, and I have a good relationship with the coach [Grant Robbins]," McDonald said. "They have a good program and my sister [Elizabeth Moore] lives in Memphis.

McDonald began the golf season unranked in the AJGA Polo Rankings. Eight weeks ago he ranked No. 314.

Then he finished sixth or better in five of six events, most recently a tie for third in the Scott Stallings Championship.

"He's been working on his game over his whole high school career. Then this summer he started playing in three-day events," McCallie coach Tony Meyers said. "What put him on the map was the tie for sixth at the Bubba Conlee [National Junior], where he shot a 69 on the last day."

At McCallie, McDonald has been part of two team Division II-AA state championships and tied for third individually as a freshman. He tied for 17th last season when he had a scoring average of 74.6. This season his average is 69.6, and he won the Baylor Preview at Black Creek by shooting a 4-under-par 140.

"I call him 'the Silent One' because he just goes and does his job every day," Meyers said. "I just tell him to go play and stay out of the way."

McDonald said he chose Memphis over Arkansas State, UT-Martin and Austin Peay.

"So it's about the golf program, and having family there made it feel like the right school," McDonald said. "Plus, I know a couple other guys who are going to Memphis."

Contact David Uchiyama at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6484. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/UchiyamaCTFP.

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