Sept. 6, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. —Bill McDonald, a highly successful collegiate golfer, former tour professional and accomplished instructor, has joined the University of South Carolina men’s golf staff as associate head coach, head coach Puggy Blackmon announced today. Michael Burcin, an assistant coach on the Gamecock staff for the last two years, will have the new title of Director of Golf Operations.

“Having known Bill since his junior golf days and following his development over the years, I can’t imagine having anyone more qualified to assist us in reaching our ultimate goals at USC,” Blackmon said. “I feel that he will evolve into one of the best coaches in the country. His addition will allow me to concentrate on developing additional facilities for practice and play at South Carolina and to continue my work with David Duval on his come back.”

McDonald began his duties at South Carolina on Sept. 1.

“I want to thank Eric Hyman and Coach Puggy Blackmon for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to join the staff of the Gamecock Golf program,” McDonald said. “I am honored to be a part of such a great University and I look forward to serving the most loyal and passionate fans in the country.”

McDonald returns to Columbia for a second time after serving as the Director of Instruction at the University Club from 1996-1998. Most recently, he has worked as the Director of Instruction at Cartersville Country Club (2006) and has been involved with Atlanta-based company Accelerized Golf as a founding partner and instructor from 2003-2006. He has previously served as Director of Instruction at City Club Golf Academy in Atlanta (2000-2003).

McDonald played collegiately for Blackmon at Georgia Tech (1985-88) where he was the runner-up at the 1988 NCAA Championship and a two-time All-American (1985 and 1988). He earned his bachelor of science degree in industrial managment from Tech in 1989 and after competing professionally for the next five years in South Africa, Canada and several PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour events, McDonald returned to his alma mater to serve as an assistant coach to Blackmon in 1994-95.

In 2005, McDonald was a featured instructor on The Golf Channel’s “Your Game Night.” He has competed in three PGA Professional National Championships (2003, 2004, 2006) and won the Big Oak Putter Classic in 2006. In addition, McDonald has been a top 10-player in the Georgia PGA Section for the last five years.

McDonald is a member of the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame and the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (since 2002). He and his wife, Tanya, are the parents of two boys, Trace (4), and Tyler (2).