March 16, 2016
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — University of South Carolina Men’s Golf senior Matt NeSmith was honored as Southeastern Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week, the league announced on Wednesday. The SEC award is the second in a row for the senior from North Augusta, S.C., and his third career player of the week laurel.
NeSmith garnered his second straight SEC Golfer of the Week award by earning co-medalist honors at the General Hackler Championship, held March 12-13 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. NeSmith finished the tournament with a three-round score of 207 (-9), including matching efforts of 67 (-5) in his final two rounds. NeSmith birdied the 54th and final hole to earn his fourth career medalist trophy, which is tied for second in Gamecock history.
NeSmith is the first Carolina golfer on record to win two tournaments in less than a week after also finishing as medalist at the Palmetto Intercollegiate, held March 7-8 in Aiken, S.C. Led by NeSmith’s stellar play, the Gamecocks won the team championship at both events, giving head coach Bill McDonald 17 career tournament victories.
NeSmith is a two-time All-SEC selection, a three-time PING All-Southeast Region pick, and a two-time PING All-American. He was named SCGA Player of the Year in December and earned SEC Freshman of the Year laurels in 2013. He is a 2016 Ben Hogan Award candidate, and he was the medalist at the SEC Championship in 2015.
UP NEXT FOR THE GAMECOCKS
NeSmith and the Gamecocks continue their season at the Valspar Collegiate Invitational, which will be held March 21-22 at Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, Fla.