Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Gamecock Golf Master

Danny Willet was given the famous green jacket at the 2016 Masters, April 10, 2016. Originally from Sheffield, England, Danny Willet has connections to Calhoun County.
In 2005, Willet joined the JSU family. He was recruited to play golf for the Gamecocks. In 2006, he was named OVC Freshman of the Year and won medalist honors at the 2007 OVC Championship. He spent 2 years playing as a Gamecock under Coach James Hobbs. While Willet was here he studied Marketing, but mainly focused on golf. Willett isn’t just the first Gamecock to win the Masters, but he’s also the first Gamecock to even play in the Masters.
Jason Callan, director of golf at Silver Lakes, was Coach Hobbs’ assistant from 1999-2003. When asked on how Willett’s Masters Win impacts Silver Lakes golf, Callan said, “Because we are the home for the JSU golf teams, our impact is connected with JSU. They practice and play here on our courses.”
Callan now works with one of Willett’s teammates, Brennan Clay, who is an instructor at Silver Lakes Golf Course.
Danny Willett is the second golfer to win the Masters with ties to Alabama. The first was Bubba Watson, who went to Faulkner State in Bay Minette, and won the Masters in 2012 and again in 2014.
Danny Willett is also the second Englishman to win the Masters. The first was Nick Faldo in 1989, 1990, and 1996.
For the first time, in Willett’s career, he is in the top 10 of the World Golf Rankings, coming in at Number 9.

Brittany Noell (JSU student 2012-2016)

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