Several professional golfers have come through the Oklahoma State University (OSU) golf program, known for its rich history and tradition of producing top-level players. These players have not only achieved success in college but have also gone on to have successful careers on the PGA Tour.
One of the earliest notable players from OSU is Labron Harris Jr., who played for the Cowboys in the 1950s. Harris later became the head coach of the OSU golf team and led them to numerous national championships. His influence on the program set the stage for future success.
In the 1970s, the Edwards brothers, Danny and David, made their mark on the OSU golf program. They were both highly talented players and went on to have successful professional careers. Danny Edwards even won a PGA Tour event, the 1977 Quad Cities Open.
Another standout golfer from OSU is Dave Eichelberger, who played in the 1970s. Eichelberger won multiple tournaments on the PGA Tour, including the prestigious World Series of Golf in 1971. He was known for his strong ball-striking and consistent play.
Bob Tway, a member of the famous “Cowboy” lineage, emerged as one of the most successful golfers to come out of OSU. Tway had a stellar college career and went on to win the 1986 PGA Championship. His victory in the PGA Championship is remembered for his famous hole-out bunker shot on the 72nd hole to secure the win.
Scott Verplank, another OSU alum, had a successful amateur career before turning professional. Verplank won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1984 and represented the United States in the Walker Cup. He went on to win multiple PGA Tour events and became known for his accurate iron play and putting prowess.
In the 2000s, OSU produced a new wave of talented players, including Charles Howell III and Hunter Mahan. Howell had a decorated college career, earning All-American honors multiple times. He has since had a successful career on the PGA Tour, with multiple wins and consistent performances in major championships.
Mahan, a former NCAA individual champion, was also a standout player at OSU. He has won multiple PGA Tour events, including the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Mahan was known for his powerful driving and solid all-around game.
In recent years, OSU has continued to produce talented golfers who have made their mark on the professional circuit. Rickie Fowler, a fan favorite and one of the most recognizable players in the world, played college golf at OSU before turning professional. Fowler has had a successful career, with multiple PGA Tour wins and consistent performances in major championships.
Other notable OSU alumni on the PGA Tour include Wyndham Clark, Kevin Tway, Talor Gooch, Viktor Hovland, and Peter Uihlein. These players have all shown great potential and have had their fair share of success on the professional circuit.
The OSU golf program has a long and storied history of producing top-level players who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level. The program’s emphasis on discipline, hard work, and a strong team culture has undoubtedly contributed to the success of these players.