NMSU Wins 14th PGA Jones Cup
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Team Member (L-R): Will Stoner (Sr.), Dawson Kipniss (So.), Keifer Clary (Jr.), Mack Alford (Fr.), Bobby Flanagan (Sr.)
John Dever
The PGA of America
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The Aggies won the 14th Jones Cup on Wednesday at PGA Golf Club, despite playing with a greater purpose in mind.
The Aggies captured their PGA Golf Management Program's second Jones Cup, first since 2006, by nine strokes over defending champion Campbell University (584) of Buies Creek, North Carolina. 2013 Champion Ferris State University (590) of Big Rapids, Michigan and Clemson (594), finished third and fourth, respectively.
The Aggies won with gross score of 1-under-par 575, despite having played a man down since June. That was when Gage Gavin, the son of New Mexico State’s Golf Management Director, Pat Gavin, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 18.
"This victory today meant a lot for our program, especially with Pat and his family going through such a tough year," said Josh Salmon, the Aggies' PGA Golf Management Program Specialist, who stepped in for his boss due to a scheduling conflict. "A few weeks ago
2015
our guys dedicated this Jones Cup to Gage and the entire Gavin family. We really wanted to bring a little bit of sunshine in what has been a dark year for all of us," he added. "Pat talked to the kids last night. He's with us. To win this means the world to the kids. They delivered for Pat and the program."
The PGA Jones Cup is named for the first PGA Golf Management University Program Director at Mississippi State, Dr. S. Roland Jones, who held the position from 1985 until his passing in 1997. The event provides a platform where participants can display professionalism, integrity, character and camaraderie; all characteristics Dr. Jones instilled in PGA Golf Management students.
All participating universities in the PGA Jones Cup are schools accredited by the PGA of America to offer the PGA Golf Management University Program for aspiring PGA Professionals. There are currently 2,284 students enrolled in the program nationwide.