Mercy University Athletics

One of the most prolific golfers in Mercy College history, Clayton Johnson was a dedicated student-athlete, excelling both on the golf course and in the classroom. He competed for the Flyers from 1999 through 2001, when he graduated Magna Cum Laude. As Captain, he led the team to back-to-back New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (NYCAC) titles in 1999 and 2000, and qualified for many regional events, besting many Division I student-athletes in the process.

In 1999, he burst onto the scene at the NYCAC Championships, which were held at the Ardsley Country Club. His round of 76 clearly outpaced the field, as he claimed Medalist honors. He was the only competitor to shoot under 80 at the event. Academically, he succeeded as well, earning the NYCAC Academic Golfer of the Year award.

In the early spring of 2000, the reigning NYCAC Conference Champion Flyers were invited to participate in the 18-hole Qualifying Round of 51st Metropolitan Golf Association Intercollegiate Division I Championship, held on Long Island. There, Mercy would compete against the best of the tri-state area, including Rutgers, St. John's, Columbia, Fairfield, Hofstra, Army, Rider, and Fordham.  Heavy rain, hail and high winds that day led to very difficult playing conditions, yet Johnson managed to shoot the low round of the day, a 76.

With this performance as the Low Medalist at the team competition, he qualified, as an individual, to compete in the 36-hole MGA Division I Tournament, held at The Saint Andrew's Golf Club in Hastings, held the following week. He went on to shoot sub-80 rounds of 77 and 79, to finish tied for 13^th.  As a Division II student-athlete, he was the only non-Division I finisher among the top 50.  The following day, the Flyers went on to win their second straight title at the NYCAC tournament held in Philadelphia. 

In 2001, the Mercy golf team enjoyed continued success and was invited to participate at the Manhattanville College Intercollegiate Invitational.  Johnson placed first at the tournament and was prepping for another run at the NYCAC Championships. But the Flyers’ streak of conference titles came to an end that year, as Mercy finished second and Johnson finished fourth overall at the event.