Meaningful week for first couple of UF golf, more Gators tidbits
Thursday, May 25, 2017 | General, Scott Carter
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Brittany and Billy Horschel opened about the challenges they have faced in the past year.
By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Former University of Florida women's golfer Brittany Nelson majored in public relations, a background that perhaps guided her decision to disclose a very personal matter this week. Brittany at UF
She is better known today as Brittany Horschel, wife of former UF men's golfer Billy Horschel. Following Billy's win at the AT&T Bryon Nelson on Sunday – his first PGA Tour victory in three years – he made a passing reference to his struggles of the past year.
Most assumed he was only talking about his golf game. Brittany immediately altered that perception on Monday when she released an earnest message on social media about her alcoholism.
"I am an alcoholic,'' she wrote. "I say that now without shame. Admitting that to myself, family and friends has saved my life and marriage."
— brittany horschel (@britt_horschel) May 22, 2017
Billy did not know of his wife's plans to reveal her personal struggle until she texted him the message and asked for his opinion. At first, he told her she didn't need to do it. For Brittany, who played for the Gators from 2005-09, the time felt right in the wake of Billy's mention of his own struggles.
She also wanted to share her road to recovery for the benefit of others, a message Billy shared with the media on Tuesday as he prepared for this weekend's Dean & DeLuca Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas.
"We can dip, dodge and dive around these questions, no problem,'' Billy told his wife.
"No, I'm ready. I'm ready to take the next step. I'm ready to share our story. I'm ready to start helping people,'' Brittany replied.
The response was overwhelmingly positive for Brittany. She understands that every day presents new challenges, but being sober for a year meant something.
Something important enough to share with the world.
thank you so much for everyone's kind words, love and show of support. i am so happily overwhelmed!! ???? #strengthinnumbers
— brittany horschel (@britt_horschel) May 23, 2017
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CARTHON JOINS 49ERS
When he joined the Gators in 1999, Ran Carthon was primarily known as the son of former Giants running back Maurice Carthon.
Carthon had a solid career for the Gators, but he has carved out a more distinguished path in the NFL. Carthon was named director of pro personnel for the 49ers a few days ago. San Francisco is the latest stop for Carthon, who also has stints in the front office with the Falcons and Rams.
The #49ers have named Ran Carthon Director of Pro Personnel.
Gators catcher Mike Rivera returned to the lineup in a 5-4 win over Auburn on Wednesday night in Florida's SEC Tournament opener.
Rivera missed 22 games with a broken bone in his hand. He went 1-for-3 and scored the game's first run Wednesday to lift Florida to its 21st win in 25 games. Afterward, Rivera told ESPN what it meant to be back on the field.
Holston recently signed with Polish team KSP Chemik Police, which competes in the top professional tier in Poland. The 2014 SEC Player of the Year finished her UF career in December.
Gators sophomore golfer Sam Horsfield shared his intentions to turn professional after the Gators' season back in January with Golfweek.com.
Horsfield made it Twitter official earlier this week, which came on the heels of Florida's disappointing finish at the NCAA Finals. Still, head coach JC Deacon has a talented team returning next season as he continues to build the program toward a national title.
As for Horsfield, Deacon's highest-profile signee, he thanked Gator fans on the way out. Expect to hear more from Horsfield in the professional ranks.
