Gator Men’s Golf Signs Four to National Letters of Intent
Monday, November 17, 2014 | Men's Golf
First-year Florida head coach JC Deacon signed four golfers to National Letters of Intent Monday. Blake Dyer, Jorge Garcia, Sam Horsfield and Kyler Tate will join the Gators' roster for the 2015-16 season.
“I think this is, by far, the most well-rounded signing class I've ever been a part of,” Deacon said. “This is the class that is going to lead the new era of Gator Golf, and we're in great hands with these four guys. They're hard workers, they love the game and they're very, very close with each other. They've already built strong friendships and they're all really proud Gators, so Florida Golf is in great hands right now.”
Blake Dyer | St. Petersburg, Fla. | St. Petersburg High School
· Won the 2014 Sam Parks Invitational with back-to-back rounds of 69
· Placed second at the U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier in 2014, recording a 70 and 69
· Two-time individual winner of the FHSAA District 3 Championship, recording a 66 in 2013 and a 70 in 2014
· Won the 2013 IMG Junior Tour Southeast Kickoff with rounds of 65 and 69
· Named the 2013 Pinellas County High School Player and Conference Player of the Year
· Four-time member of the All-Pinellas High School and All-Pinellas County Athletic Conference teams
· Father, Kevin, lettered for the Gators from 1984-88 and was Academic All-SEC in 1985
· UF claimed the SEC Championship in 1985 and was the runner-up in 1986
Head Coach JC Deacon:
“Blake has a tremendous work ethic, and his character is extremely, extremely high. He's going to bring the attitude, competitiveness and work ethic that are really going to change this program. Blake is going to be a great teammate. His ability on the golf course and his potential are just through the roof.”
Jorge Garcia | Anaco, Venezuela | American Heritage School
· Two-time TOYOTA Junior Golf World Cup Champion, shooting 12-under par in 2013 and firing rounds of 64-68-64-67 to capture the crown in 2014
· Won the 2014 AJGA TaylorMade-adidas Golf Junior at Innisbrook with rounds of 71-70-67
· Captured the 2013 individual title at the AJGA Thunderbird International Junior event by recording rounds of 68-68-70
· Won the South American Junior Championship in 2013 and 2014
· Captured the 2013 title at the AJGA Puerto Rico Junior Open with rounds of 63-71-72
· Led his team to the World Junior Championship in 2013
· Helped his team to three South American Junior Championships
· Three-time American Heritage Player of the Year
· First-team Rolex Junior All-American in 2013 & 2014
Head Coach JC Deacon:
“Jorge is a born leader. He's got one of the most amazing personalities I've ever met. He's engaging, someone you want to be around, someone you want to know more about and you sure as heck as a coach want him on your team. Jorge is an extremely accomplished player on the international level and on the AJGA level, and he has a chance to single-handedly get us back in the hunt.”
Sam Horsfield | Davenport, Fla. | Ridge Community High School
· Won the 2014 AJGA Junior PLAYERS Championship with rounds of 71-69-73
· Medaled at the 2014 USGA Junior Amateur by shooting 9-under par
· Won the 2014 New Year's Invitational by recording rounds of 69-65-71-70
· Won the Florida State Amateur in 2013 by 11 shots, becoming the event's youngest winner in 96 years
· Shot rounds of 70 and 69 to become the 2013 FHSAA 3A State Champion
· Won the 2013 Florida State Amateur, firing rounds of 72-67-72-67
· Won the 2011 Florida State Boys' Junior Championship, finishing 15-under-par
Head Coach JC Deacon:
“Sam is an overnight program changer, his record speaks for itself. He's so mature, his golf I.Q. is through the roof and he's a passionate Gator. Sam has enjoyed coming to The Swamp and has made a concerted effort to be at as many football games as he can. He is passionate about The Gator Nation and there's no question he's going to make an immediate impact.”
Kyler Tate | Orlando, Fla. | West Orange High School
· Won the 2014 KPMG Stacy Lewis Junior Open with rounds of 68-68-71
· Finished as the runner-up at the 2014 AJGA Junior at Steelwood, shooting 72-70-70
· Earned runner-up honors at the 2014 AJGA Preseason Boys Junior at Vinoy by recording rounds of 73-72
· Placed second at the 2014 FHSAA State Championship
· Shot rounds of 70-73 to finish third at the Florida Junior Golf Tour event at Lake Wales in 2014
· Placed fifth at the Junior Players Championship in 2014 with rounds of 75-74-68
· Honorable Mention Rolex Junior All-American in 2014
Head Coach JC Deacon:
“Kyler's record on the AJGA this year has been about as good as anyone's and he's won at a very high level. He showed tremendous consistency this summer, and he's also best friends with Sam Horsfield. We felt so lucky to get him so late in the game, and it's just a dream to be able to add him to this class.”
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