One Memorable Panther Year

Men's Golf Matthew Simmons/Sports Communications

Sjoholm 13th at Nationals, Named All American

Concluding his heralded career as a Panther, Georgia State senior Joel Sjoholm claimed a tie for 13th at the 2008 NCAA Men's Golf National Championships with a four-round score of 298 (+10) in West Lafayette, Ind. on Saturday.

In addition, Sjoholm was named a PING First-Team All American by the Golf Coaches Association of America and was named to the NCAA Nationals All-Tournament Team. Sjoholm is the first First-Team All American in State's history.

Sjoholm, who ranks second nationally in the GolfStat Cup Rankings, posted a final-round score of 79 (+7) to end his collegiate career tied for 13th in the nation's ultimate collegiate event, which was played on Purdue University's Kampen Course at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex (72-72-75-79 ? 298, +10).

“It was a tough day and it was the windiest it's been all week,” said Sjoholm. “It was a good time this week and it was great to play in Nationals again as a senior. I competed at the highest level of amateur golf in American and it's been great fun to see where I stand.”

In his career, the native of Sweden won three events as an individual and led State to five-team championships, including three conference championships. His 13th-place finish marks the highest ever finish for a Panther in the NCAA Men's Golf Championship and highest performance by a Panther in a non-event segmented national championship. In addition, his ranking of second nationally is the highest ever ranking for a Panther.

Sjoholm was twice named Colonial Athletic Association Golfer of the Year, twice garnered PING All-Region honors, was named a semifinalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award as a senior and was named a Third-Team PING/GCAA All-American as a junior.

“I can't explain how much of a pleasure it was been to coach Joel the last four years,” said Georgia State head coach Matt Clark. “He's a remarkable talent and he has a bright future ahead of him. I'm very proud of him.”

Sjoholm struggled in his final round on the remarkably tough Kampen Course, which he described as the toughest course he has ever played. The senior carded two birdies in his round, but recorded above par scores on seven holes. Despite his tough final round, Sjoholm led the event in par-five scoring at 4.69.

“It started off kind of rough,” explained Clark. “He hit his first drive right off the fairway, but the spotters didn't see it and when we got down there we couldn't find it. From there on it was a tough day. This event was played with a Major Championship setup and Joel represented Georgia State with class.”

For the four-day event, the Kampen Course allowed just one sub-par performance, a two-under par 286 by NCAA National Champion Kevin Chappell who led fifth-ranked UCLA to the team championship by one stroke over Stanford. Among the nation's elite competitors, the Kampen Course recorded more than 125 scores of 80 or higher. The average single-round score for the event was 77.40.

With his collegiate career complete and the school year completed, Sjoholm will not turn his attention to joining the professional ranks, joining the likes of former Panthers Jonathan Fricke, Mark Haastrup, Steve Tiley and Ty Harris who all compete professionally.

“I really enjoyed playing for Georgia State, but it's going to be fun to start a new chapter now that I am done with my amateur career,” said Sjoholm.

Check GeorgiaStateSports.com for updates on current Panther golfers competing as amateurs this summer and former golfers appearing in professional events.

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