Jake Mondy went to Auburn. ** Edited by 2hhoop3 at 9/20/2023, 4:08:11 PM

Wanted to be independent and got a better offer from a smaller school. He also got a job even further away because he wanted to live somewhere he had never lived before.

But came back for grad school. All I’m saying is it’s really strange that with as many D1 golfers as BCC is producing, at least ONE or two here or there won’t go to VT. Hardwick let one who WOULD have come to VT go to VCU without offering him…Lanto Griffin who is now on PGA Tour and has a Tour Championship top 25 on his resume. Just strange that we’ve had literally none ** Edited by hokiepro at 9/19/2023, 1:37:25 PM

...else other than VT to go to school? I love VT, but the thought of going to college in the same town where I grew up and my parents live doesn't necessarily appeal to me now...and certainly wouldn't have at 18. ;-)

I’m surprised we seem to never get ANY

the community and a golfer you of all people should understand what has gone on in the past and what is going on now. Even with the coaching change some history carries over. Your question sounds fair when posed as understanding why some go elsewhere yet VT never gets any but, you know the really good ones that VT would pursue all have equal or better options coupled with the added attraction of leaving home. That is before even addressing the fact that moving to entirely different conditions broadens their playing ability in varying environments which is beneficial if they have longer term golf aspirations.

I mean good grief pro, there's one that EVERYONE here already makes fun of you for being a fanboi of for like 6 years now? Oh...I see you're ONLY talking about golf now. ** Edited by vthokieq at 9/19/2023, 2:36:14 PM

School??

So of course I’m not going to say it never happens. That would be silly. But I’d bet it’s not nearly as many as people think. I’d say it’s probably usually harder to recruit those kids and it certainly shouldn’t be shocking when they go elsewhere. ** Edited by vthokieq at 9/18/2023, 5:14:10 PM

TIC

They have issues and aren't likely to challenge for the conference championship, but their defense is sound if not spectacular and their offense is moving the ball against their cupcakes. Some headscratching playcalls Saturday were the difference between winning by 30 and winning by 50 (throwing 3 times from the 1, slamming into the line with the rb on 4th and 1 with 10 guys in the box).

the same, correct?

Cold in Auburn too. Ohio State has a great golf program and it’s cold there

it is cold in Blacksburg all the time for 5-6 months each year. Hitting off mats in heated bays 1/2 the year is not even remotely comparable to being on a golf course, with green grass and decent lies year round. Golf below 60 is uncomfortable, it's rare in Auburn to go a week without daytime temps above 60, it's rare to get above 60 in Blacksburg from Nov to Mar. Also doesn't hurt Auburn that there is an RTJ Trails complex with 2 championship courses and a short course, 10 mins from campus and 3 more courses within 2 hours of campus. I played it last week, there is nothing like it in SW VA. As for money, yep, SEC schools put money into their sports programs, all of them. Donors care way more than VT donors do, and it's not just football. I was at Auburn last weekend for parents weekend and I've been to VT and many other campuses for football and other sports, there is no comparison. Just watching them list all the people who gave a $mil above their seat priority required donations was shocking. The real question is, why would a kid that loves golf even consider VT if they had an option to go to Auburn instead? Throwing out a couple of cold weather schools that have great programs because of other reasons doesn't change the fact that golfers prefer warm climates and Blacksburg isn't one.

also has a storied alum in Nicklaus and others. All the name programs have rich legacies stacked with tour pros and successful business alums stroking checks for their programs. It is likely one of the only non rev programs across collegiate athletics that is generally self sufficient.