A team of five FGCU PGA Golf Management majors cruised to a 14-stroke victory over Clemson University to win the 2018 PGA Jones Cup for the first time in program history.
The 17th annual tournament, which concluded Oct. 31 at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, features only schools accredited by the PGA of America to offer the PGA Golf Management University Program for aspiring professionals. Florida Gulf Coast University is one of only 18 schools nationally accredited by the PGA, and the only one in Florida.
Following a couple of close finishes in 2016 (second) and 2017 (fourth) where FGCU’s combined deficit was 10 strokes, they sealed the deal in convincing fashion with a total tally of 590. The margin of victory was the largest since 2012, when Campbell University defeated runner-up New Mexico State by 17.
“This is really exciting, but to do it in the style they did was special,” said Marty Hall, assistant director for FGCU’s PGA Golf Management program. “To have all five players clicking at the same time was awesome. This creates a lot of excitement about making the team. I think there will be a lot of competition amongst our 160 students to try and repeat next year.”
The veteran of the squad after competing in 2016 and 2017, Alex Holt finished with a two-day total of 147 (73-74). Playing in their second consecutive PGA Jones Cup were Cameron Fady and Eric Costa, who posted a 146 (73-73) and 148 (78-70). Darin DeLelys and Reece Kornfeld rounded out the five-person team.
“I don’t know that it’s hit us yet – what we just accomplished,” said Holt. “Obviously we’re excited and happy to represent our school. My teammates are really good. They can get hot and go low if the putters are working.”
All 160 students in FGCU’s program were eligible to compete for coveted spots on the team, according to Hall. Last year’s Player of the Year for the program earned an automatic spot on the team, which is unrelated to FGCU’s NCAA golf program. There were three 18-hole stroke play qualifiers at area courses to determine the remaining spots.
Pictured above, from left, are: Darin DeLeyls, Cameron Fady, FGCU PGA Management Assistant Director Marty Hall, Eric Costa, Alex Holt and Reece Kornfeld. (Photo courtesy PGA of America.)
- Pat Kravitz of PGA of America contributed to this report.
- Watch a video about FGCU’s win