Indianapolis, Ind.---Wingate University junior women's golfer Hailey McLaughlin (Markham, Ontario, Canada) has qualified for the national tournament for the second straight year, as she earned a bid to the 2022 NCAA Division II South Regional, NCAA officials announced this week.
 
Four-time national champion Nova Southeastern University will host the 54-hole tournament May 2-4 at the Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie, Florida. The top-five teams, along with the top-two individuals on a non-advancing team, will qualify for the NCAA Division II national championship tournament May 10-14 at the Chattahoochee Golf Club in Gainesville, Georgia.
 
In last year's South Regional tournament held in Cleveland, Tennessee, McLaughlin tied for ninth place. She missed qualifying for the NCAA national championships by one stroke with her 73-75-76=224 scorecard. McLaughlin and the 48 other student-athletes played 36 holes on the final day after a rainout on the tourney's second day.
 
Hailey McLaughlin notes, 2021-22 edition
(All-SAC three times with two first team nods; 2021 SAC medalist; 2020 SAC FOTY)
 
- The two-time WGCA D2 All-American selection finished tied for fifth at the 2022 SAC championships April 3-5
 
- Completed her third SAC championship event with a 77-74-74=225 scorecard
 
- She won the Battle at Hilton Head (Feb. 21-22) with a 70-74=144 scorecard
 
- Finished second at the weather-shortened Battle for Royalty (Sept. 20-21) with a 75
 
- Placed fourth in the Surratt Memorial (March 14-15) with a 78-72-73=223 effort
 
- The Bulldogs won the inaugural Surratt event on their home course (Stonebridge Golf Club)
 
- McLaughlin and her teammates had eight top-five showings in nine tourneys this season
 
McLaughlin by the numbers, 2021-22 edition
 
- Stroke average: 75.24
- Top 5: 4
- Top 10: 7
- Top 20: 8
- Wingate's #1 finisher: 5/9
- Top season round: 70 (twice; most recent, Battle at Hilton Head)
- Rounds in the 70s: 20/21
 
What They Are Saying

Wingate University head women's golf JD Lamm
 
Hailey had a fantastic regular season. This is nice to see the national committee recognizing how great she has played this year. Hailey led the team in scoring average and had an extremely impressive year. Certainly, her Battle at Hilton Head win was a highlight so far.
I believe she is progressing well at this point. We have a few days to work before we head down to Florida this weekend. I will actually get to spend more time with her next week…I am very excited to see what she can accomplish.
                              
Wingate junior student-athlete Hailey McLaughlin
 
I feel very fortunate to be returning to regionals this year. Last year, I let my nerves get the best of me, but I now know what it's like and what I can accomplish, so this year I'll be ready. I wish it would have been the whole team going this time with me as everyone played so well and we did have a great season, but I will try my best to represent Wingate and make everyone proud.
 
I'm excited to be going to Florida, as I feel I do well down there, so that's another positive mindset going forward. My goal this year would be to just slow down and take it one shot at a time, one hole at a time. If I can do this and play my game, I'll be happy no matter the outcome.
 
Wingate senior student-athlete Claire Patrick ('22)
 
We are all so proud of Hailey for making it to regionals. As a team, we have had a great season. Unfortunately, we all couldn't be there, but we can't wait to watch her represent us. Her hard work and determination have really paid dividends.
 
Wingate University
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a laboratory of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina. Wingate offers 37 undergraduate majors as well as eight master's and five doctoral degrees. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences; the Levine College of Health Sciences; the Byrum School of Business; and the College of Professional Studies, which includes the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Wingate is a leader in healthcare education, and nearly one in five Wingate undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 24 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award for 13 years straight. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.