Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman Athletic Communications


NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – The week before, Willie Mack III was in California playing Torrey Pines – one of the grandest golf courses in the nation – making his PGA Tour debut and getting interviewed by the Golf Channel.

A week later, he's at a small town municipal golf course in Florida playing a mini-tour with his "gallery" consisting of former Wildcat teammate and current B-CU interim head golf coach Daniel Venema.

Literally and figuratively, that's widest possible extreme possible. Golf's fickle like that. It's also a very exciting time for the former B-CU golfer as he sandwiched the Indian River Open between the Farmer's Insurance Open and next week's Genesis Invitational, where his second PGA Tour appearance is being made possible by tournament host Tiger Woods' granting him the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption.

Mack III finished tied for fourth in this weekend's event, posting a 36-hole total of 134 (10 under par) – four strokes behind winner Michael Visacki. He wrapped up his weekend with birdies on the final four holes Sunday. He started the front nine on Saturday with a blistering 31 that included an eagle.

Mack III left for California still leading the Florida tour in winnings.

"I'm definitely doing a lot of travel these days," Mack III said. "That's a good thing. It's keeping my mind off a lot of things and keeping me occupied."

Mack III failed to make the cut at Torrey Pines, but is expecting a better show next weekend thanks to having more practice time and a completely different scenario. His debut was last kind of last-minute after his good friend Kamaiu Johnson tested positive for COVID-19.

"I'll be much better prepared," Mack III said.

One of the positives of the whirlwind has been the extra attention not only just from the media, but from the B-CU and Grand Rapids, Mich., communities. With California locked down due to COVID-19, virtual galleries replaced on sight fans and followers.

"Last week I had someone tell me that they hadn't followed golf in years, but were now following me, "Mack III said. "That's exciting and I appreciate the support."

Mack III will tee off at The Genesis Invitational on Thursday, Feb. 18.