15
NMSU Goes Back-to-Back
PAST
CHAMPIONS
2014
2011
2012
2008
2002
2003
2006
2009
2013
2005
2004
2010
2007
Team Member (L-R): Luke Reilly (Sr.), Hayden Hauss (So.), Bobby Flanagan (Sr.), Jeff Adkerson, PGA, Adam Scott, PGA, Keifer Clary (Sr.), Zach Tate (Sr.),
By: John Dever, PGA of America
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Some say that once is a mistake, and twice could be a pattern.
For New Mexico State University’s PGA Golf Management program, which today secured its second Jones Cup in as many years on the Wanamaker Course at PGA Golf Club, back-to-back victories suggest the strong likelihood of a winning program pedigree.
With a two-day total of 594, the Aggies became the first program to win consecutive Jones Cups since Coastal Carolina in 2004 and ’05.
Penning a remarkably similar script to last year, New Mexico State erased a three-shot deficit after the first day to edge Florida Gulf Coast University (597). North Carolina State (600) and Eastern Kentucky pushed hard on Wednesday, but placed third and fourth, respectively.
Last year, the Aggies trailed by two shots before ultimately claiming their third Jones Cup in program history. NMSU’s initial victory in the event came in 2006.
“We talked to our kids and reminded
2015
them that they can never take the 2015 Jones Cup away from us,” said Josh Salmon, the Aggies’ PGA Golf Management Program Specialist, who was on hand for last year’s victory, which channeled the incredible emotions associated with the unexpected passing of 18 year-old Gage Gavin, the son of New Mexico State’s Golf Management Director, Pat Gavin. “Yes, last year was special because of what Pat’s family was going through, and those events are always in our minds. That said, we also have 1,300-plus alumni, family and friends of the program that we represent and this victory is for them, too.”
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.
2016