Top College Players To Watch

By Ryan Herrington

September 05, 2011

Patrick Cantley, UCLA, Soph.

NCAA player of the year followed it up with sizzling summer, posting top-25 finishes in 4 PGA Tour starts. Low am at U.S. Open.

Peter Uihlein, Oklahoma State, Sr.

Two-time first-team All-American added Northeast Am trophy this summer. Set to play in second Walker Cup. Six career college wins.

Chris Williams, Washington, Jr.

Picked for U.S. Walker Cup team after wins at Sahalee Players, Pacific Coast Am. Led college golf in birdies (156). Career 71.14 avg.

Andrew Yun, Stanford, Jr.

Was Cardinal's top finisher in 9 of 11 starts, recording 1 win, 7 top-5s, 70.6 avg. Went 4-0 at Palmer Cup, securing winning point.

Luke Guthrie, Illinois, Sr.

First Illini golfer to claim Big Ten title since 1999, part of 4-win season. Also earned share of Central Regional title. 71.36 avg.

James White, Georgia Tech, Sr.

Didn't finish outside top 13 in final 9 stroke-play starts, winning U.S. Collegiate, Puerto Rico. Averaged 28.81 putts per round.

Blayne Barber, Auburn, Jr.

Had 1 win, 6 top-5s while posting a 70.91 avg., lowest by a Tiger golfer in 34 years. Tied school record with 13 rounds in 60s.

Jordan Spieth, Texas, Fr.

Victory at 2011 U.S. Junior made him just second golfer to claim title more than once. Three-time AJGA first-team AA.

Alex Ching, San Diego, Sr.

Western All-American title highlighted a 2-win, 6 top-5 season. Became only 3rd USD athlete to win WCC POY in any sport.

Patrick Rodgers, Stanford, Fr.

Claimed Porter Cup, one of 6 top-5s in amateur events in 2011. Western Jr. champ in 2010. Nine top-10s in AJGA career.

Marta Silva Zamora, Georgia, Sr.

Became fourth Bulldog named national player of the year. With 71.51 average, broke UGa's single-season record by 1.12 strokes.

Sophia Popov, USC, Soph.

German native was last year's top frosh with three wins, six top-5s in 10 starts. Flirted with turning pro, but is staying in L.A.

Austin Ernst, LSU, Soph.

First freshman NCAA champ since 1998. Took summer classes but returned to play at U.S. Women's Am, reaching semis.

Stephanie Kono, UCLA, Sr.

Trying to become Bruins' first four-time first-team AA this season. Four career wins is two shy of UCLA all-time record.

Emily tubert, Arkansas, Soph.

Won three times and posted nine top-five finishes. Led country in birdies (120) and shot low round of 2010-11 (63).

Erica Popson, Tennessee, Jr.

Four-time winner in 2010-11, including SEC and West Regional titles, while losing playoff in fifth event. First-team AA.

Stephanie Meadow, Alabama, Soph.

Was Crimson Tide's first freshman to earn first-team AA honors. Won school-record 3 titles, including East Regional.

Lindy Duncan, Duke, Jr.

Was just fourth player in ACC history to win conference POY honors for second time. T-8 at NCAAs playing as individual.

Brooke Pancake, Alabama, Sr.

Posted 72.29 avg., with win at Tar Heel Invite and 7 top-10s. Semifinalist at U.S. Women's Am also has 4.0 GPA in business.

Tiffany Lua, UCLA, Jr.

Team's top finisher (T-4) during Bruins' NCAA win. Is 18-for-18 in reaching match play at USGA individual amateur events.

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