MOBILE, Ala. — Four members of the South Alabama men’s golf team have been named Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars, the most in program history, the Golf Coaches Association of America announced Wednesday.
Seniors Lane Hulse and Blake Kelley earned the academic honor for the second straight year. Juniors Michael Garretson and Tyler Klava were recognized for the first time, in their first season of eligibility.
The selections extend South Alabama’s streak to six consecutive seasons with at least one Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar. The four Jaguars were among 207 NCAA Division I student-athletes honored this year.
Honorees Also Starred on the Course
The academic recognition follows a strong competitive season for the group. Garretson was named Sun Belt Conference Golfer of the Year in April and earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors. Klava joined him on the first team, and Hulse was named to the second team.
Klava ranked second in the Sun Belt with a 72.72 stroke average. Garretson was third in the league at 72.74, and Hulse ranked 15th with a 73.85 average.
Garretson, Hulse and Kelley each competed in 13 events during the season. Klava played in 12 after missing the season-opening tournament with an injury.
Selection Criteria
To be considered for the Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar award, a player must be a junior or senior academically and have competed for at least three full years at the collegiate level. Candidates must have participated in at least 50 percent of their team’s competitive rounds and, at the NCAA Division I level, posted a scoring average below 76.0.
Honorees must also hold a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2, be of high moral character and be in good standing at their college or university.
The Golf Coaches Association of America administers the award program each year.
