The junior from Seneca, South Carolina, ranks 30th nationwide in NAIA player rankings
(CLEVELAND) – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2019 Men’s Golf All-America teams, who were selected by the NAIA Men’s Golf Coaches’ Association All-America Committee, and junior Matt Smith of the Truett McConnell University men’s golf team was named to the All-America third team. Smith is now the first TMU golfer, third TMU athlete, to earn this national recognition.
Smith advanced to the final rounds of the NAIA national championships to place 16th of 156 golfers last week. In addition, Smith entered into the AAC Direct Qualifier, the final tournament of the season before nationals, in a three-way tie for AAC Player of the Year. However, Smith finished runner-up, which clinched his spot on the All-AAC first team.
“I am extremely proud of Matt and his work ethic,” Head Coach Steve Patton said. “What people do see is what a phenomenal golfer he is, but what a lot of people don’t get to see is what an amazing young man he is off the course. This is a great day for our program and this university.”
Smith also led his team to AAC spring championship title in April after individually winning the tournament shooting an incredible 65 through the first round and a 72 through the second. The junior was named AAC golfer of the week twice throughout the season. According to the Golfstat NAIA player rankings, Smith finished the year ranked 30th of 150 golfers with a scoring average of 73.08.
