Prescott Campus Golfer to Represent USA at World Championships in France
Embry-Riddle Prescott men's golfer Austin Sverdrup will be headed to France this summer to participate in the 16th World University Championships. Austin is one of three men selected to represent the United States at the prestigious tournament located in Brive, France. The tournament will host 130 elite golfers from all over the world, representing 20 different countries. The competitors will be vying for four different titles during the tournament including an individual male champion, an individual female champion, and a men and women's team championship.
The 2016 World University Championships represent the 27th edition of the competition, taking place every two years in even-numbered years. They alternate with the summer and winter Universidad's, which are organized in odd-numbered years.
This year's tournament will take place June 23-26 at Golf De Planchetorte, an 18 hole course that covers 5847m for Par 71. The United States will be represented by a men's and women's team.
U.S. Men's team:
Coach Ricky Dotson: Texas Wesleyan University
J.D. Lehman: University of Louisville
Matt Killam: Texas Wesleyan University
Austin Sverdrup: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
U.S. Women's Team:
Coach Diane Thomason: University of Iowa
Sarah Burnham: Michigan State University
Stephnie Flame: Northwestern University
Gabby Barker: Texas Tech University
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to represent the United States in the World University Golf Championships," said Sverdrup. "It will be a wonderful experience both sightseeing and playing golf in France. I am thankful to have been selected and look forward to a great trip."
Sverdrup led The Eagles this year in scoring average with a 75.14, was Champion of the Arizona Christian Invitational, tied for 3rd place at the Cal Pac/National Qualifying Tournament, and is on the 2016 Cal Pac All-Conference Team. A two time NAIA Academic All-scholar, two time All-Cal Pac Conference Team member, and a member of the 2015 All-Academic men's golf team, Sverdrup has been the epitome of a scholar-athlete for the Eagles.
"I could not be more excited for Austin to be selected to compete in these World University Games," said Embry-Riddle Prescott Head Coach Kim Haddow. "I have had the privilege to coach at two World University Championships and know what an amazing opportunity this is for Austin to represent the United States, Embry-Riddle, and himself in France. He will meet wonderful young men and women from around the world during the week while competing in a world class golf championship."
Prior to participating at the World University Championships, Sverdrup will have two more important events this spring. He will will graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Embry-Riddle on May 7, then help lead The Eagles at the NAIA National Tournament in Moline, Illinois May 21-30.