This Day in UK Athletics History: Freshman Holmes Earns All-SEC Honors (2002)

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky freshman John (J.B.) Holmes’ accomplishments were recognized when the NCAA Division I golf committee extended the Campbellsville, Ky., native a bid to the 2002 NCAA Golf Championships on Monday. Holmes’ appearance in the 2002 Championships will be the first by a Wildcat in over a decade.

Along with receiving a bid to the Championships, Holmes also secured first-team All- Southeastern Conference honors. He is the first All-SEC first team performer since Olen Grant earned the distinction in 1989.

“John is one of the most talented golfers I have ever seen at his age,” Coach Brian Craig said. “He is a fierce competitor with an enormous heart. He has had an outstanding year and deserves all the credit he is receiving.”

Holmes will begin his quest for a championship in the central regional. The regional will hosted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and be played at the Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, May 29- June 1.