TCU’s men’s golf team sent four students to the U.S. Amateur Championship last week, tying a school record.Jon McLean and Robby Ormand advanced to the match-play round of 64.

Along with McLean and Ormand, Tom Miles and James Sacheck were also in the tournament but did not qualify for the match-play rounds.

“It was a great experience,” said McLean. “Absolutely the best tournament you can play in as an amateur.”

Ormand said playing in the tournament, which was held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., was not an everyday occurrence.

“It was pretty special to be in such a great place and to play well,” said Ormand.

McLean reached the round of 16, tying the record of the furthest round any TCU golfer has gone.

“I felt I could have won the tournament, but it was a pretty decent finish.” McLean said.

Miles said his game performance lacked in some areas but was good overall.

“I played well, hit the ball well, but didn’t make many putts,” Miles said.

One of the key factors to the TCU golfers’ success is the teachings from veteran head coach Bill Montigel.

Montigel has been the golf coach for 20 seasons, and in that time, he said, he has worked with some great young talent.

“It doesn’t take that much, actually I really enjoy it,” Montigel said about working with the players. “What’s fun about it is they are all different. Each one has their own personality and each one wants to go about it a different way. I try to be flexible and let them all do it the way they want because they are all really good golfers.”

These players and coaches said they have a lot of high expectations coming into this season, which begins with a tournament Sept. 11 in Toledo, Ohio.

“We want to make it to the NCAA championships this year,” Ormand said. “We need to work on some things in the fall and see what we have come springtime.”

Miles said he has an even loftier goal.

“Become an All-American in some sorts,” Miles said. “Just achieve the goals you set before the season starts.