LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) --
Michael Palmer -- UNLV Athletic Communications Assistant

AJ McInerney has been one of the stars of the UNLV men's golf program ever since his freshman season. In his four years as a Rebel, he's accomplished many notable achievements and will leave a long-standing legacy in his wake. Over the course of his career, McInerney has a career scoring average of 73.64, which currently ranks 29th in program history, has recorded 11 top-20 finishes, six top-10s and four top-fives. McInerney's success doesn't stop there as he has finished third or better this season three times, including a tie for first at 8-under in 3 rounds at the LMU Invitational. He was also named to the Academic All-Mountain West team his first two years and has made the Dean's Honor List as well.

The finance major has proven that hard work on the golf course is just as important as in the classroom. McInerney understands that managing school and golf can be tough, but it was making the transition and learning how to manage his time properly that helped both his golf game and his work in the classroom.

Another transition that McInerney had to make, and is still making, is his ailing back. It has been an ongoing problem since high school and it came to the point during the second half of his sophomore year at UNLV where he finally decided to shut it down. McInerney would go six months without picking up a golf club. He eventually got down to the bottom of it and learned what he needed to do on a day-to-day basis to treat his back, to get it to a manageable level. "It was a grind and I kind of needed it. I wouldn't have had the year that we're having now and potentially playing professional golf had I not taken that time off," said McInerney. "It was a blessing in disguise."

Coming to UNLV was an easy decision for McInerney. He's always liked his hometown, and has had a lot of local support growing up here playing golf for Coronado High School. "I kind of knew what to expect. But also, my putting was the worst part of my game and coach Dwaine Knight is very well known for his putting technique. It's kind of how he's transformed guys into great putters," said McInerney. "That was my goal coming in here and I think I've accomplished that."

When asked about the difference from this year's team to last year's team, he said that everyone is meshing well. "Everybody holds each other accountable for everything on and off the golf course. Going forward the team is going to be a lot better off with the environment we've created."

This difference has sparked the Rebels back to an appearance in the national rankings this week as Golfweek has UNLV at No. 25. McInerney notes that being in the Top 25 isn't a surprise to the team. "It's where we know where we belong and staying there shouldn't be an issue," said McInerney.

Staying in the Top 25 for McInerney and his teammates means focusing on the little things. This includes making 100 putts from five feet everyday, upping their workouts, even though it may be tougher getting more mentally prepared for when they compete on the road and everyone doing a great job in the classroom.

People ask him a lot about what it's like being the captain of the golf team and to him, it's an amazing feeling to have control of what he calls "a great group of guys". McInerney knows he can count on and trust everyone on the team.

By the time McInerney graduates from UNLV, he is expected to have a shot at being in the U.S. Amateur and the chance at turning pro next fall. But first, he is excited about the team goals for the rest of the season, the number one goal being to win the Mountain West Championships, which is something he's tried to get for the past four years. "We want to make it back to the National Championships, said McInerney. "My freshman year, we made it to the Elite Eight so if we can get back their and we get that far, anything is possible."

The road continues for UNLV on April 9-10, at the Robert Kepler Invitational, hosted by Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio.