HobbsDailyReport.com
HICKORY – Lenoir-Rhyne University has signed four new players for its golf program, three men and one female.
In a press release, the Bears reported they’re adding George Hartmann of Berlin, Germany, Cole Southerland of Charlotte and Elliott Wayne of Toronto, Canada to next season’s men’s team.
Bears head golf coach Elliot Gealy has also signed Patricia Asensio of Madrid, Spain for the women’s team.
Hartmann had a 75.17 stroke average in 2017 that included finishing second in the German Faldo Series.
“Georg has been steadily improving as a player over the last three years and is currently competing at the highest level in German Amateur Golf,” Gealy said in the press release. “He is an extremely hard worker on and off the golf course, and I believe he will add depth and consistent scores to our team immediately.”
Southerland played last season at Providence High, where he was an all-conference and All-Regional golfer. He won the Hurricane Junior Event in 2016 and also the prestigious Charles Tillman Junior Championship last December with rounds of 73-73.
“Cole is a late bloomer in the recruiting process and will be a steal for our program in the future,” Gealy said. “I have been impressed with Cole’s attitude and desire to work hard, to push himself and improve his craft. It will be a lot of fun to watch Cole as he develops over his four years at Lenoir Rhyne.”
Wayne will graduate from the Bill Crothers Secondary School in Markham, Ontario this month. During his high school career, Wayne tied for 23rd in the 2017 Mizuno National Junior Championships, was second in his Men’s Club Championships and qualified for the Ontario Juvenile Championships.
“Elliott will be a great addition to our program in the fall,” Gealy said. “He is a well-rounded young man with a lot of potential for growth on the golf course.
“I am excited to work with Elliott year round and watch him become the player I know he can be.
“He is a perfect fit for Lenoir Rhyne University and our golf program’s goals for the future.”
Asensio will join the women’s program after finishing her studies at her local high school in Madrid. Along with her studies in Spain, Asensio also spent a year in the United States as an exchange student and attended Greensboro Grimsley High.
While at Grimsley, she was selected first team all-conference, first team all-region and finished 14th at the state 4A championships by posting rounds of 77-82.
“We are excited to have Patricia join our program in August,” Gealy said. “She is a strong player, great student and has an infectious personality.
“I am confident she will have an impact once she walks on campus and will develop into a great player while at Lenoir Rhyne.”