The Loop

Hossler to arrive at Texas in January, but golf will come later

December 06, 2012
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While there is still no official word on whether Texas sophomore Jordan Spieth will be back for the defending NCAA champions after the new year—he failed to advance past second stage of PGA Tour qualifying school last month but did not rule out turning pro anyway in early 2013—there is a clear signal on the status of incoming Longhorn freshman Beau Hossler for the spring semester.

Hossler, who caught the attention of casual golf fans this past summer when he briefly held the lead at the U.S. Open, signed with the Longhorns last month with the intent to enroll in college in January. This led to some speculation/reports that the 17-year-old from Mission Viejo, Calif., would be teeing it up immediately for coach John Fields' squad.

However, both Hossler and Fields told Golf World that the plan is for Hossler to until the fall to play in his first college event.

"I am eligible to play [in the spring], but I'm not going to. I'll start in the fall," Hossler said in a recent interview.

"The original plan is for him to settle into school and play starting in [fall] 2013. Still the plan," responded Fields via email regarding Hossler's status.

While Hossler won't play for the squad, he can practice with the team upon starting classes in Austin.

Early enrollment is a path that a handful of highly touted junior golfers have recently taken. Georgia Tech's Ollie Schniederjans and Anders Albertson enrolled in school in January 2011 but did not compete for the Yellow Jackets until the next fall, instead getting acclimated with college life and keeping their full four years of eligibility. Similarly Ricky Werenski did the same thing the year before.

*Photo by Joey Terrill