The Golf Coaches Association of America announced Friday, May 31, senior Dominic Bozzelli and sophomore Michael Johnson were named to the Division I PING All-Region Team after their performances in the NCAA Championship earlier in the week.
"I am very proud of Dominic and Michael for being named to the All-Region Team," Auburn coach Nick Clinard said. "They both had excellent seasons and put the work in to be great. They are great representatives of Auburn University and Auburn golf."
Bozzelli led the Tigers in the tournament by shooting 6-under, earning him second place individually.
Johnson shot a 1-over in the tournament, which earned him a tie for 38th place.
The Tigers finished in 13th, their highest finish in the NCAA Championship since 2003 when they came in eighth.
The men's golf team was tied for 27th after the first round of the tournament, but mounted a comeback in the final 36 holes by shooting 6-under as a team.
"We made a great run there," Clinard said. "We turned at 3-over, and we finally got it going on the front side. For the whole week, we made a lot of birdies there and just didn't close at the end. The first day set us back shooting 12-over. You have to be proud of their toughness and resilience in coming back. We are one of the best teams here, but just didn't make enough putts this week."
Bozzelli finished three strokes behind the eventual winner, Max Homa of California, and capped his tournament by recording a bogey-free final round.
"I was just trying to come out and shoot a good round for the team," Bozzelli said. "Obviously, we knew we had to make a lot of birdies. I was bogey-free today and am proud of that. I am happy with a 66 today. The guys' effort was there, and we had a pretty good run today."
As a senior, this was Bozzelli's final NCAA Championship as an Auburn Tiger, an absence that will be felt by the coaches and players.
"Dominic (Bozzelli) is a great player, and what a great career he has had," Clinard said. "I wish he wasn't leaving. He made a lot of putts. He's worked very, very hard. He has really grown as a player. He lost a year of eligibility in his transfer, but his first year at Auburn he only played in four tournaments. To be where he is today is a testament to his hard work and his desire to be great."
Bozzelli finished his season with second place finishes in each of his final two tournaments. His second place finish at the NCAA Championships joins his second place tie at the NCAA Columbus Regional. Bozzelli also earned his third career individual victory at the Amer Ari Invitational in February.
Johnson's season was filled with highlights as well; during his sophomore season he carded seven top-20 finishes and two runner-ups for the Tigers.
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