Freshman golfer Billy McKay always loved the University but he almost didn't make it to Ann Arbor.

He didn't sign with the Michigan men's golf team until the last hour of signing day.

"I was torn between here and Michigan State, or I could've waited and looked at some schools in the South," McKay said. "I definitely feel like I've made the right decision in coming up here."

Given his outstanding background, the Wolverines are lucky to have him.

Before coming to Ann Arbor, the Grand Blanc native attended the prestigious Leadbetter Academy in Florida for his senior year of high school after leading Grand Blanc High to a state title in the fall of 2004.

But McKay is known in golf circles for his two appearances in the Buick Open at his home course, Warwick Hills.

In 2005, he tied Tiger Woods with a 1-under par 71 on the first day of the tournament. He ended up missing the cut after a second-round 84, but the highlight for McKay was his eagle from 127 yards out on the par-five 16th hole during the first round.

"That was the shot of the day on CNN, and I also got on ESPN," McKay said.

McKay said most of the pro golfers treated him well at the Buick Open, but they gave him a different reception in 2006, when he competed using a sponsor's exemption. The first year he played in a qualifier to be included in the field.

"The second year it was a bit more intimidating," McKay said. "You've actually taken a spot from somebody else trying to get their tour card. Most of the guys were very nice to me, but I didn't get as many welcomes as I did the first year. But I didn't let it affect my game at all."

McKay has always been treated well by 1995 PGA Championship winner Steve Elkington, a close friend of McKay's family.

"His caddy and my parents were pretty good friends, and that's how I met Steve in the first place," McKay said. "When I was little he'd always teach me little games about putting and chipping in the basement."

McKay said the practice rounds he played with Elkington before his appearances in Buick Open were some of his favorite golf experiences.

Despite his past success, McKay is focused on helping the Wolverines win their first Big Ten title since 1952.

Michigan coach Andrew Sapp and junior Tim Schaetzel had nothing but praise for McKay's game.

"His golf swing is really fun to watch," Schaetzel said. "He's hitting it a long ways, and he's hitting it really close to the hole with his irons. Some of the things he can do with the golf ball are things the rest of us really can't do."

Sapp agreed: "I think his shot-making ability is the strongest part of his game. If he can become a very good putter, it won't be long before he's all-Big Ten."

McKay has picked up his play in the spring season. After falling in and out of the lineup during the fall, he's now second on the team with a scoring average around 75. Some of that success can be attributed to his relaxed, yet focused, demeanor.

"Billy's pretty laid back," Schaetzel said. "He jokes around a little, but when it comes time to compete, he's very focused."

On the par-four 18th hole during the second round of the Pinehurst Intercollegiate, McKay hit his tee shot into the water and ended up making a 10-foot putt for bogey. Still, Sapp said McKay pumped his fist in celebration of his 1-under par round rather than being angry about the bogey.

"We kind of joke that you can't tell whether he's 5-over par or 5-under par on the golf course," Sapp said. "He doesn't get overly emotional whether he's made three birdies in a row or three bogeys in a row."