The University of Kentucky men’s golf team has added Garrett Wood, a junior transfer from Xavier University to the 2019-20 squad. Wood captured the Big East individual championship as a sophomore and has carded three top-10 finishes in his career.
“I am excited to announce that Garrett Wood has joined our Wildcat golf family for his last two years of school,” UK head coach Brian Craig said. “Garrett is an outstanding young man with high desire and high character. He spent his first two years at Xavier and developed his game, proving he can play at the highest level. A testament to that play is Garrett’s win in this past spring’s Big East Conference Championship. I look forward to coaching Garrett and watching him continue to develop over these next two years.”
Wood who hails from nearby Mason, Ohio, appeared in 18 total events over his first two seasons of collegiate golf. He owns a career average of 73.35 with a low round of 65. He generated nine top-20 finishes and had 17 rounds of par or lower. He is eligible immediately.
“I’m super excited to join the Kentucky golf family and start my next chapter in Lexington,” Wood said. “Between the coaches and the team I couldn’t feel more welcomed and ready to get the ball rolling. Go Big Blue!”
Wood appeared in the final nine events for Xavier during his freshman campaign and was the team’s top finisher in each tournament. He tied for 11th at the Bearcat Invitational in his first collegiate tournament, which included a career-low round of 65 during the second round. He tied for 10th at the Loyola Intercollegiate and finished among the top 10 with a tie for eighth in his first Big East Championship.
During his sophomore run, Wood tied for 11th at the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate paving the way for the biggest tournament of his career. His win at the Big East Championship came with an even-par score and eclipsed the runner-up by a stroke. He began his final round five shots back before a third round 69 resulted in victory. He then appeared in the NCAA Louisville Regional as an individual in his first NCAA Tournament action.
Nine Players Set to Compete at Island Resort Collegiate Invitational
In a unique opportunity, Craig will travel a total of nine players to this week’s Island Resort Collegiate Invitational. The lineup will feature a starting five and four players competing as an individual.
The Island Resort Collegiate Invitational will mark the first signature tournament for Sage Run, a newly-constructed course. The event will consist of a two-day, 54-hole stroke-play invitational and will feature a field of 10 teams competing at the 7,309-yard course hosted by South Dakota State.
Sophomore Cullan Brown will miss the Wildcats’ season-opening event with a lower-leg injury.
“We’re disappointed for Cullan who won’t be able to participate this week,” Craig said. “He had a great summer of preparation for the season which included making the cut at the PGA Tour Barbasol Championship. A timetable for his return is unknown at this time.”
Despite Brown’s absence, several Wildcats are slated to make their debut this week including Wood who will don the Blue and White for the first time. Redshirt freshmen Alex Goff and Jay Kirchdorfer are expected to see action, along with true freshmen Cooper Parks and Jackson LaLonde.
More information about the Island Resort Collegiate Invitational will be provided at a later date.
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s golf team, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and on the web at UKathletics.com.
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For more information contact:
Deb Moore
