Men's Golf - MCC Experience
"I came to MCC from Denmark without really knowing what to expect. During the first semester, I had a little bit of trouble adjusting to a new language, a new culture and bunch of new people. Vincer really helped me with that. If I needed any help, he was there for me. He made the transition so much easier, and I am forever thankful for it. When I went home after my first semester, I found out how much I really missed everything about MCC. I missed my teammates, my coaches, the competition and especially the weather.
University of North Texas
MCC helped me transfer to a bigger program when I was done. I spent my last two years at the University of North Texas, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences. When I look back at my four years of college, all of my greatest memories are from my days at MCC. Even though I have moved back to Europe, I still keep in touch with so many people that I met in Waco, and I love coming back there."
"A friend referred me to McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, and I accepted a scholarship to play golf there for two years while completing an associate's degree in business. I was 19 years old, and MCC proved to be the perfect place for me to start. I think I would have been overwhelmed at a four-year university. In Waco, I felt there was great balance between schoolwork and time on the golf course. While I maintained good grades in the classroom, I still saw my golf game develop greatly. The atmosphere at school was great, and I felt very much at ease on the beautiful campus.
Georgia State and European Challenge Tour
After completing two years for the Highlanders, I transferred to Georgia State University. My two years in Waco enabled this move, and I enjoyed two years of Division I golf and graduated with a degree in finance in 2004.
I still consider Coach Vince Clark the most influential and inspirational person I have ever met. The lessons learned under his wing far exceeded my expectations. Vincer's immense knowledge of golf has taught me so much about the subtle aspects of the game, such as the mental strategies. He instilled in me a great confidence in my golf and my own abilities. Do not, however, mistake his calm, easygoing manner for not caring about results - he is a fierce competitor and wants to win.
I still come to Waco for inspiration and to practice with Vincer and the team in the fall and winter. The facilities there enable me to get ready for my professional golf tournaments on the European Challenge tour."
"MCC has a solid college golf program. The campus is modern, and the golf facilities give a player an excellent place to practice, play and improve. I still go back there to practice in the winter with Vincer and the boys."
2006 U.S. Amateur Champion, European Tour
"My two years at MCC not only gave me a foundation for my education, but laid a foundation for my life. MCC attracted outstanding people to its campus while I was there, and I made lifelong friends. I keep in touch with them and still love going back to Waco for a good game of golf."
University of Texas at Tyler
"MCC was a great stepping stone for my college golf career. The campus at MCC is first-class - from the faculty to the facilities. Everyone is helpful and goes the extra mile to help students be successful.
Arkansas State
As for golf, they have great practice facilities and golf courses. My time there gave me the opportunity to get playing time in qualifiers and tournaments, which really helped improve my game. I will never forget my two years at MCC with Coach Clark; he is a great mentor, and a better friend. Vincer's faith in me and his own example inspired me to perform my very best in the classroom and on the course."
"The experience I had at MCC was a good one for many reasons. MCC has one of the best JUCO golf programs in the country - I think everyone at Nationals my freshman year would agree with me. The people at the school are all friendly and make students feel welcome, which was important to me because I moved to Waco from Scotland. We were on sports scholarships and my coaches spurred all of us on to be the best we could be in the classroom and on the golf course.
Hooters and Coastal Tours
In my time there I was involved with more than just the golf team because everyone in the Athletic Department pulled for each other - ALL the teams were in it battling to be the best together.
Twin Rivers Golf Club is a very, very good golf course with outstanding practice facilities. Cottonwood Creek Golf Course is a different kind of design but also a good golf course and practice facility. Both courses test every aspect of a golfer's game. They make one more wise on how to play smart but aggressive golf.
MCC golf has a lot going for it, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to play golf in college. I enjoyed my time there -it was good for me and my golf - and I still go back to practice and play with the coach and the team. MCC is a good stepping stone that can make one a better scholar, golfer and person."
"The two years I spent at MCC were the best two years of my life. Coach Vince Clark is a great coach because of the respect and loyalty he gives to his players. The family atmosphere that Vincer works to instill in his teams is something I still appreciate. I went to MCC knowing no one but left with eight teammates who are among my best friends; I still keep in touch with them and Vincer to this day. His knowledge and love of the game is unbelievable and admirable. He helped me find "my game," which we tested constantly and successfully in competition - both at home in qualifiers and on the road in tournaments. MCC was a good place for me to learn and build a competitive golf game so that I could pursue my goals of playing Division I and now playing professional golf. "
University of North Texas and Texas Tours
"My time at McLennan was a great experience and stepping stone for me to get to the next level in college golf. At MCC, the teachers really care about how students perform in class, and they helped me a great deal with my studies. The professors at MCC worked with me in and after class and cared about me personally. On the golf course, I got the chance to actually qualify for every tournament, which helped me develop a tougher competitive edge to my game. The courses we played helped our team improve; the practice facilities in Waco are great; and the competition at the tournaments we entered was outstanding. Actually, being in competition made all the difference for me.
University of North Texas
Vince Clark was an inspiration to me on and off the golf course. He and I worked more hours than we can count on the mental game, the short game, and the little things necessary to maintain my swing. Vince actually took the time to learn my individual swing and what we needed to do to produce the shots and game I wanted. Vince has been my best coach! Out of high school, I had Division I offers, but I am glad I went to MCC because the program gave me the academic and competitive experience I needed. Now I am a two-time college All-American playing for University of North Texas."
"I just want to start out by saying that if you are a decent golfer and want to get better, this program will make you good!
University of Louisiana-Monroe
The living conditions at MCC are great. All the athletes live in duplexes in a regular neighborhood, and all the golfers on scholarship live in adjoining duplexes. Living like this is a benefit in itself because we had our own little family at the duplexes. There were good times and bad, which I thought was beneficial as a life experience and a golf experience. Living this close to one another forces you to interact with people and to make friends. Unfortunately, you also figured out what ticked people off. With both of these factors involved in the living condition, I believe the team bonds quicker than other teams do. I think the closer a team is to one another, the better the team will play.
I think the golf program at MCC is probably the best one in Texas. You practice and play on the same facility as Baylor, Twin Rivers Golf Course. Therefore, you can practice any part of your game at any time. The coaching staff is what I think makes this program so good. When I was a freshman at MCC, Rick Butler was head coach and Vince Clark was assistant coach. Coach Butler retired my sophomore year, and Vince became head coach. With this change, many would think a person would change; Vince did not change. He was just as willing to help any of his players until dark, if necessary. I consider Vince one of my best friends. I don't think I would be half as good without him.
I have now transferred to the University of Louisiana-Monroe and I know I wouldn't have a chance at playing without having gone through the MCC golf program. I feel as if I have a head start."
"The start of my son's college life could not have been at a better place than MCC, and I feel like MCC was a blessing for Michael. In the first year that he was at MCC, I could tell that he was at the right place. The golf coaches and other staff at MCC were a great influence on Michael. I could not have asked for better mentors. Michael has become a true gentleman because of the teachings and expectations of the staff at MCC. I am also very proud of Michael's academic achievements and golf success at MCC.
(Mother of Michael Oates)
Michael went on to play golf at a Division I university; and without help from his friends at MCC, he would not be where he is today.
I am proud to tell people about MCC and Michael's experiences there. Anytime I have a chance, I am happy to express my appreciation for MCC."
"When I think about MCC, I have so many great things to say but have a difficult time finding the right words...
(Parents of Cole Howard)
Our son went to MCC from 2004 to 2006 to play golf. During his time at MCC he played for Coach Rick Butler and his assistant, Vince Clark. While he was there, he had the opportunity to play against some of the most talented golfers in the nation. His experiences were very positive. After our son finished at MCC, Vince took over the golf program.
MCC is so lucky and blessed to have Vince as a part of its faculty and coaching staff. As a parent of a college freshman, you ask yourself who is going to watch over and take care of my child when they go off to school. Everyone at MCC took an interest in our son. At MCC it wasn't just about playing golf but also about life, family, friends and education.
Coach Clark incorporates golf with teaching his boys important lessons and life skills. He is like a father, brother, best friend and coach all in one. Vince has had a huge impact on our son's life. His passion for life is very rare in this day and time, and it is a blessing to have his influence in our son's life. They have made a lifelong friendship that continues to grow. Since leaving MCC, our son has continued his education and golf game at the University of North Texas. We believe his success on and off the golf course is because of the great foundation he received at MCC."