Top-ranked golfer Alex Carpenter has been invited to play in the Western Refining College all-America Golf Classic next month in El Paso, a rare opportunity. This is an honor not only for the school, but also for Carpenter, and it expresses the serious potential that he has in the future as a golfer, say coaches.
The junior all-American golf prodigy is the first player in the history of ACU’s golf program to be selected for this tournament, and he has already made history as one the best players the Wildcats have ever seen. Coach Mike Campbell certainly thinks highly of Carpenter not only for his skill, but his attitude and character on and off the course.
“Alex is a very hard worker,” Campbell said. “He is very driven, and his focus is a great example, especially to his younger teammates. I expect a lot from him this year.”
It is this very drive and focus that has landed Carpenter with an invitation to such a highly competitive tournament, said Campbell. The 54-hole El Paso classic is made up entirely of Division I players – except for Carpenter. He will compete against golfers from schools such as Illinois, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Stanford, Oregon State and Duke, as well as many others with extensive golf programs.
Among these athletes are many golfers that Carpenter knows or has competed against before. “It really is an honor to play against such talented players,” Carpenter said. “I know a lot of them and play with them in the summer. I can’t wait to see some of my buddies and compete in the same tournament.”
The tournament takes pride in hosting very successful up and coming college players. In years past the El Paso tournament has seen players such as Stewart Cink, Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ricky Barnes, Davis Love III, Lucas Glover, Nick Watney, Anthony Kim and even Tiger Woods. Now the name Alex Carpenter will be added to the list among these familiar names.
“It’s pretty cool to be in a tournament where so many big names have come before me,” Carpenter said. “I can tell that it’s going to be one of the most fun tournaments I have ever been in.”
The nationally top-ranked collegiate golfer will also be competing in this tournament. Patrick Cantlay of UCLA claims the prestigious titles Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year in 2011. Carpenter upholds similar recognition. He was named Freshman of the Year the previous year and was awarded Player of the Year for NCAA Division II last spring.
“I’m going into this tournament hoping to do my very best,” said Carpenter. “I’m going to enjoy the opportunity to play and let my game do all the talking.”
The Western Refining College all-America Golf Classic will be Nov. 21-22 in El Paso.
