Something is happening within the ETSU Men’s golf program – a legend is growing. Sophomore Rhys Davies was recently selected as a semi-finalist for the Ben Hogan Award, the most prestigious award in men’s college golf.
The committee who selected him also selected nine other players, mostly juniors and seniors, representing the top players in NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA or junior college during the past 12 months.
“It was really pleasing to find out that I had been selected. It is a great honor to be regarded with such great golfers around the country,” Davies said.
In fact, Davies found out about being a semi-finalist from across the Atlantic.
“My father left me a message from Wales saying that he had noticed online that my name had been chosen. It was surprising for me to find out something like that from him,” Davies said
The announcement has come on the heels of Davies playing dominant golf within the past few weeks.
Davies was victorious at the March 6 Seminole Intercollegiate in Tallahassee, Fla., shooting a remarkable nine under par. He followed with a three-round score of two-under-par to capture the Gen. Jim Hackler Invitational title in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Davies complemented his two victories by being named SoCon golfer of the week twice. Davies is currently ranked No. 3 among Division I golfers.
In addition to having a great spring season, Davies finished 25th in the World Amateur Championships and helped Europe beat the United States in the 2004 Palmer cup. He was also named the 2003-2004 Freshman of the Year.
What else can Davies accomplish that he hasn’t already?
“At the moment, I want to continue to be successful and play good, solid golf,” Davies said. “My main goal is for my teammates and I to get ETSU in the top 10 and compete in the NCAA Championships in Baltimore, Md.”
The Bucs resume their spring season this weekend at the Cleveland Golf Classic in Augusta, Ga.

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