But in spite of accomplishing so much and playing in numerous important tournaments, Newman said competing in the 2010 NCAA Notre Dame Regional, which starts Thursday in South Bend, Ind., and goes through Saturday, is right on par with everything else he has done.

“I try to look at every event as a similar tournament,” Newman said. “Obviously the Masters was a little bit different, but I try and prepare the same. In comparison to summer tournaments, (the regional) is just as big, or bigger, than any amateur tournament.”

Newman was one of five individual participants to be selected for the regional, along with 14 teams. It is the Des Moines, Iowa native’s fourth straight appearance at an NCAA Regional, where he has improved his place each season.

Teams finishing in the top five at the regional continue on to the NCAA Championships, and the individual golfer with the lowest score, who is not on one of those teams, also advances.

Sam Puryear, the MSU men’s golf coach for the last three seasons, said he and the rest of the men’s golf team couldn’t be happier that Newman can prolong his Spartan career at the regional.

“I’m really excited for Jack,” Puryear said. “He’s been a great leader for the young guys and I think everyone is excited for him right now.”

Puryear said Newman has been surrounded by numerous teammates at MSU’s golf facilities while he prepares for the regional.

Sophomore Dave Ellis, one of the MSU golfers pulling for Newman as he goes through the postseason, said he expects a lot of people to be tracking Newman’s progress throughout the weekend and possibly beyond.

“We just kind of wish it was around here or at home,” Ellis said. “But we’ll be watching and following him as much as we can.”

Newman said he hopes his friends and family aren’t the only ones watching the next couple weeks. With aspirations of turning professional at some point in the near future, Newman said playing well in NCAA events deep into the summer can show Professional Golf Association officials he is ready to play at the next level.

Although Newman’s professional career is on the horizon, he said he still is focused on qualifying for the NCAA Championships and extending his time as a Spartan. The NCAA Championships are June 1-6 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“To make it to the Championships would be great,” Newman said. “You don’t want to miss an opportunity like this because I think you’ll regret it as long as you’re competing in golf.”