In-state golfers Allen Hamilton, Matt Liston and Jacob Cook have been added to the University of Kentucky’s 2016 signing class, men’s golf coach Brian Craig announced Monday.
Hamilton, a Louisville native and St. Xavier grad, is a two-time all-state performer who helped lead the Tigers to consecutive state championships. He turned in a third-place finish at the state championships in 2014 behind rounds of 71 and 72 and again in 2015 with rounds of 65 and 72.
“I love the upside that Allen Hamilton brings to our program,” Craig said. “He is a big, strong young man who has the proven ability to shoot low scores in competition, as evidenced by his opening-round 65 in this year’s Kentucky State High School Championship.
“He is a high-desire and high-character young man who will relentlessly chase his dream of helping us win championships. It is also really special to see Allen get the opportunity to follow in his dad’s footsteps as a member of the Kentucky golf team. Vince Hamilton can play, and the apple did not fall far from the tree.”
Liston also hails from Louisville and St. Xavier’s two-time state championship squad. He was an all-state performer. His team holds state records for low round and low total at the state tournament.
Cook, a Frankfort native, played at Franklin County High School. He owns every statistical record for Franklin, including a 69.9 stroke average. A two-time Central Kentucky Golf Conference Player of the Year, Cook tied for eighth in the KHSAA State Tournament.
“Their best golf is definitely in front of them and their future is bright,” Craig said. “It is also very cool to have a class that is all Kentucky boys who can play at this level. I can’t wait to have them wear the Blue and White and help us to achieve our goal of winning an SEC Championship.”