Wednesday, November 9 marked the beginning of the NCAA’s early signing period. This day signifies the success of the AJGA coming full circle taking the next big step in earning college golf scholarships, thus the AJGA mission is met. Over the course of the last few days, high school seniors signing National Letters of Intent were given the opportunity to let the AJGA know about their college decision through the AJGA Facebook page and twitter @AJGAGolf. Signees were encouraged to tweet or post a photo to the facebook wall sharing their success. As the early signing period continues through November 16, here are some of the thoughts from AJGA’s top-tier golfers expressing their thoughts about their long-aspired goal, college golf.
What three words describe the excitement you felt when signing?
“Proud, nervous, and excited! It was also very "unreal", since I committed in January it seems like years since then. I never thought this day would come!” — Samantha Marks, University of North Carolina
“Humble, thankful, and determined.”— Charlie Danielson, University of Illinois
“Accomplished, excited, and relieved.” — Otto Black, University of Toledo
What are you looking forward to the most about playing college golf?
“I’m looking forward to the team aspect and competitive atmosphere as I go off to college. I'm excited that I get to share my love for the game with girls who feel the exact same way I do. All in all I'm just so excited for my dreams of playing golf at a Division I school coming true.” — Jasmine Wade, Florida International University
“I look forward to getting better, and meeting, playing, and working with some of the best coaches and players in the country.”— Mariana Sims, Wake Forest
“I am really looking forward to the team atmosphere. Washington is all about having a great time, which is what I am really looking forward to. I will be able to improve my golf game with two great coaches and having the opportunity to play with some of the best kids in the nation will help to take my game to the next level.” — Jonathan Sanders, University of Washington
How has the AJGA helped you achieve your goal of earning a college golf scholarship?
“AJGA allowed me to compete in the country's top junior golf events which gave me a lot of exposure to college coaches. I would not have had as many opportunities to present myself on such a high level without the AJGA. For this outstanding organization, I am thankful. Words can't express how delighted and grateful I am to be a Stanford Cardinal!”— Mariah Stackhouse, University of Stanford
“AJGA helped me prove to college coaches that I could compete on a big stage in a national tournament scene and play well.”— Miles Death, University of South Dakota
“The AJGA is the most competitive junior golf organization in the nation, so I have played with some of the best competition. Many college coaches look to the AJGA to recruit and I feel my good play in the AJGA greatly helped me in my commitment to play for UC Santa Barbara. AJGA tournaments have prepared me for the fierce competition in college, but I feel confident that I can compete at the highest level.”— Lawrence Fu, UC Santa Barbara
For a complete list of the Class of 2012 signings visit the PING College Golf Signing Day website.
- by Denae Olberding, AJGA Communications