Credit confidence and consistency.

University of Nevada senior Casey Watabu just had what might be his best week of golf ever, and pointed to an increase in both for his success.

"Right now, obviously my confidence is high, and being consistent day in and day out is what I'm (striving) for," he said. "Maintaining my level now is what I have to work on."

Two days after sharing medalist honors at the NCAA West Regional, Watabu did it again at a local U.S. Open qualifying tournament at Genoa Lakes Golf Club in Nevada.

The 2001 Kaua'i graduate shot 70-69-64—203 (-13) to earn a share of the individual title Saturday at the NCAA regional and help Nevada qualify for the NCAA Championships for the first time since 1990.

His 64 in the final round of the NCAA regional was his best score competitively, although he's matched that several times in the past.

He plans on "just riding that wave" of confidence into the NCAA Championships.

"We're so excited," he said of the Wolf Pack. "We just can't wait to be there."

He advanced to a U.S. Open sectional for the first time, where he will likely play in Koloa, birdieing nine of the final 11 holes to shoot a 6-under 66 on Monday. Watabu was one of four out of the field of 53 to advance to sectional qualifying.

"Obviously he's peaking at the right time," Nevada coach Rich Merritt said. "Hopefully he can keep the momentum going. I'm hoping and thinking his success will be contagious for the team."

The NCAA Championships are at the Crosswater Golf Course at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Ore., from May 31 to June 3.

"I knew I always could do well and win a tournament," Watabu said. "I knew I was capable of doing it. Ending my college career on a good note is giving me so much confidence, it just feels so good. I feel so relieved that I'm finally playing well."

He averaged 72.2 this year, but said he struggled this season after taking off last year to redshirt to play this year with a stronger Wolf Pack team.

"Sitting out one year of competitive golf takes you out of the game," Watabu said. "It was hard for me to get back. I thought I was going to come back right away. But I didn't get down on myself, I knew I could play, so I guess by me being patient, (that's how I broke out of it)."

Watabu credited his putting, calling it "phenomenal," for his outstanding finishes in his past two tournaments.

"It was one round here, one round there, but now it's happening almost every round in the last couple of weeks," he said.

Coach Merritt said Watabu's growing comfort on the golf course combined with his ability and talent the past couple of weeks has been key.

"When he's comfortable, he's hard to beat," Merritt said.

Merritt said the reason Watabu didn't win more tournaments as a college player is because "he hasn't really come into his own in terms of feeling comfortable. He's finally starting to feel comfortable and excited about what he's doing."

Watabu said playing away from home and with different conditions took a while to get accustomed to when he first arrived at Nevada, but it was worth it.

"It was tough to adjust to the golf courses, different style of golf," Watabu said. "The courses are wide open and you can hit it anywhere. It's windy, you have to get adjusted to the elevation, it's 4,500 feet above sea level."

He knew he didn't want to stay in Hawai'i, because "I knew if I went to O'ahu things would have been the same. I'm not going to grow up and change."

He wanted to experience a change in weather and see the leaves change.

"At first it was real hard; just being away from your family and the ocean," he said. "I still miss the ocean so much but I gotta do what I gotta do up here."

Merritt, who is in his second season as coach of Nevada, said his expectations of Watabu were high, "and he didn't disappoint me whatsoever. He gave me everything he had and then some. Because he's a senior and 22, he's developed into a mature adult able to handle pressure and expectations."

Watabu, who is majoring in biology, said he is considering staying on the Mainland, and wants to turn pro. This past week has fueled his desire even more.

"I had an idea that I wanted to play golf after school, but now it's making that decision easier," he said. "I'm taking that decision way more seriously."

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.