Jackets on the Green
By: Matt Sowell | Categories: Tech History
Golf is Ingrained in Tech tradition, with roots dating back to 1918, when Robert Tyre “Bobby” Jones, ME 1922, one of Tech’s most notable alumni, arrived on campus and became one of the greatest amateur golfers of all time.
In tribute to Jones, who was a board member of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, the Alumni Association hosts a golf tournament each year at the East Lake Golf Club, Jones’ home course. The tournament, which takes place this year on June 5, raises funds for the Alumni Association. To celebrate this beloved annual event, we are honoring some of Tech’s standout golfers to inspire lovers of the sport to get on the green.
Stewart Cink, Mgt 95
Boasting eight PGA tour wins, Cink is an alum who lives the Tech spirit both on and off the green. Cink is the recipient of the PGA’s Payne Stewart Award and the NCAA’s Silver Anniversary award, accolades that recognize community work.
David Duval, Mgt 93
With 13 PGA tour wins and 68 top-10 finishes, Duval is cemented in Yellow Jacket history. In 2001, he won The Open Championship.
Bruce Heppler
A team is only as good as its coach, and with Bruce Heppler at the head of the Georgia Tech Golf program, it’s no wonder Tech has a reputation for being the best. Heppler has been honored as ACC Coach of the Year 10 times since 1999, a record of any coach in conference history.
Matt Kuchar, Mgt 00
Celebrating nine PGA and three international wins, Matt Kuchar sealed his legacy in Tech history when he became the first Georgia Tech golfer to win the U.S. Amateur since Bobby Jones won in 1930.
Tyler Strafaci (left) and Andy Ogletree
Andy Ogletree, BA 20, and Tyler Strafaci, BA 21
This unstoppable pair secured All-American recognition in 2020 when the Golf Coaches Association of America announced the PING All-American team. They made history as the first back-to-back U.S. Amateur champions from the same college.
Charlie Yates, GS 1935
It could be said that Charlie Yates, another regular at East Lake Golf Club, followed in Bobby Jones’ footsteps. Yates was a national intercollegiate champion, British Amateur champion, and the longtime secretary of Augusta National Golf Club.
