By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — HutchCC All-American golfer Ben Partridge has made his 4-year college choice.
"I'm committing to the University of San Francisco," Partridge said Monday. "The guys on the team and also the coach, I really got along with well. I can definitely see myself benefiting more out of San Francisco than any of the other schools that I spoke to. I'm looking forward to it."
Partridge was named the NJCAA Division I winner of the Jack Nicklaus Award in June after winning the individual national title. The London native said he felt at home in San Francisco.
"I really look forward to spending time in what feels like home," Partridge said. "Also, their business degree, their business management degree is unbelievable. The academic side of it, I think, is important for me after golf. If that's the route I'm going to take after golf is business management, then, having that sort of strong degree behind me is really beneficial."
Partridge also is looking to build his potential tour resume.
"The introduction of the PGA Tour university rankings was a big factor in why I am going to San Francisco," Partridge said. "That gives college players at top D-1 schools the opportunity to earn points, on like an order of merit system, and the top five get Korn Ferry Tour cards. Going all the way down to 15th, you get Canadian Tour or Latin America, so, the ambition is definitely to turn pro. With that system, I think it can definitely benefit me to get one foot, sort of, in the door."
Partridge looks forward to the spring and the opportunity to help his Blue Dragon teammates win another title before moving on.
Eagle Radio Sports Director Glen Grunwald provided the audio for this story.