University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Men’s Golf Inks Three During The Signing Period
Nov 16, 2017 | Men's Golf
Guillaume Chevalier, Isaiah Jackson, and Gregory Odom will join the Tigers next fall
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis men's golf team and head coach Blake Smart welcome three signees to the 2018-19 recruiting class. Joining the team are Germantown, Tenn. native Gregory Odom Jr., Joseph "Isaiah" Jackson, who comes to Memphis from Red Bay, Ala., and Guillaume Chevalier from Aix-en-Provence, France.
"I am very excited about this class as it is the most accomplished class to sign in my four years," said Smart. "Coupled together with our top four stroke averages from this fall being new additions as well, we are building a strong foundation for success in the coming years."
Odom, who went to Middle College High School, finished his senior year with a second place finish at the state tournament at the WillowBrook Golf Club in Manchester, Tenn. Odom was a state qualifier in three of his four high school seasons. His other top finishes include winning the Memphis Publinks and Fellowship of Christian Athletes tournaments.
Odom's best round outside of competition is when he set the course record for Irene Country Club in Memphis with a 61. One of his career moments was shooting a 67 in the USJGT Windyke to finish with medalist honors.
"When there is an opportunity to get a local product that could move the needle for your program you jump on it," said Smart. "Greg has been on a great run the last six months and gained our attention repeatedly. Greg's best skill set is his mentality, which in this game is rare. He is tough-minded and loves the challenge."
Jackson has spent the last two years at Meridian Community College honing his skills. During his time at Meridian, he placed in the top 10 in 13 of the 14 tournaments in which he participated, including four first-place finishes. He is currently ranked as the No. 1 golfer in the NJCAA Division II.
Jackson's self-proclaimed most memorable golf moment was winning the MACJC State Championship with a 20-foot putt for birdie in the 1st playoff hole. Under head coach Ronnie Key, Jackson was named a 2016-17 First-Team All-American and to the NJCAA Freshman All-American teams.
"Isaiah will bring experience and the ability to win golf tournaments to the team next fall," said Smart. "He is a dynamic player, and a great team guy that will push others to be there best. Anytime you can get a multi-time First-Team All-American, and No. 1 JuCo in the country you feel confident in the direction of the program."
Coming to Memphis from Aix-en-Provence, France, Guillaume Chevalier is a player who has experienced winning at the highest level. Among his tournament victories are the Grand Prix PACA in 2016, the French Men's Team Championship, and the Yves Caillol Cup in 2017. Chevalier is the highest ranked player in the 2018 class with a World Amateur Ranking of 576 at his signing.
"Guillaume is an interesting story given that he decided to attend University in France before realizing he wanted to come over to the United States to pursue his dreams in golf and academics," added Smart. "He brings a wealth of playing experience and being a bit older will be ready to come in and compete for a spot immediately."
"I am very excited about this class as it is the most accomplished class to sign in my four years," said Smart. "Coupled together with our top four stroke averages from this fall being new additions as well, we are building a strong foundation for success in the coming years."
Odom, who went to Middle College High School, finished his senior year with a second place finish at the state tournament at the WillowBrook Golf Club in Manchester, Tenn. Odom was a state qualifier in three of his four high school seasons. His other top finishes include winning the Memphis Publinks and Fellowship of Christian Athletes tournaments.
Odom's best round outside of competition is when he set the course record for Irene Country Club in Memphis with a 61. One of his career moments was shooting a 67 in the USJGT Windyke to finish with medalist honors.
"When there is an opportunity to get a local product that could move the needle for your program you jump on it," said Smart. "Greg has been on a great run the last six months and gained our attention repeatedly. Greg's best skill set is his mentality, which in this game is rare. He is tough-minded and loves the challenge."
Jackson has spent the last two years at Meridian Community College honing his skills. During his time at Meridian, he placed in the top 10 in 13 of the 14 tournaments in which he participated, including four first-place finishes. He is currently ranked as the No. 1 golfer in the NJCAA Division II.
Jackson's self-proclaimed most memorable golf moment was winning the MACJC State Championship with a 20-foot putt for birdie in the 1st playoff hole. Under head coach Ronnie Key, Jackson was named a 2016-17 First-Team All-American and to the NJCAA Freshman All-American teams.
"Isaiah will bring experience and the ability to win golf tournaments to the team next fall," said Smart. "He is a dynamic player, and a great team guy that will push others to be there best. Anytime you can get a multi-time First-Team All-American, and No. 1 JuCo in the country you feel confident in the direction of the program."
Coming to Memphis from Aix-en-Provence, France, Guillaume Chevalier is a player who has experienced winning at the highest level. Among his tournament victories are the Grand Prix PACA in 2016, the French Men's Team Championship, and the Yves Caillol Cup in 2017. Chevalier is the highest ranked player in the 2018 class with a World Amateur Ranking of 576 at his signing.
"Guillaume is an interesting story given that he decided to attend University in France before realizing he wanted to come over to the United States to pursue his dreams in golf and academics," added Smart. "He brings a wealth of playing experience and being a bit older will be ready to come in and compete for a spot immediately."
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