Nov. 19, 2002

Kentucky sophomore golfer John Holmes was named the 2002 Kentucky Golf Association Player of the Year on Tuesday.

The award is based on points accumulated playing in Kentucky amateur tournaments. After winning the Kentucky State Amateur Championship in June and finishing third at the Kentucky 2-Man Tournament, as well as participating in several other events, it was determined by the KGA that Holmes had accumulated the most points.

Holmes had a tremendous freshman campaign for UK. He was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference, third-team PING All-American and Softspikes Division I All-Freshman. For his All-America status he was invited to play in the Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic in El Paso, Texas. The tournament, hosted by the Sun Bowl Association, will be played at the El Paso Country Club Nov. 24-26.

The All-American Tournament features 24 of the nation’s elite college golfers. Included in the field will be 2002 U.S. Amateur Champion Ricky Barnes, from Arizona, and the defending Golf Classic Champion, Brad Heaven from Toledo.

The rest of the field is made up of All-Americans and the Division II and Division III champions.

“Winning the Player of the Year is a great reflection of John’s commitment to this game,” UK Coach Brian Craig said. “It’s a testament to the hard work he has put in over the past few years and I think it’s the beginning of a great future.

“I’m excited that he will get a chance to play in the All-American Classic against the best players in the country. Not only does it reflect well on him, but it also reflects well on the University of Kentucky and what we are striving to accomplish for our golf program.”