Merchent’s sensational freshman season culminates in IU program record
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (BVM) — For 15 years, former Indiana Hoosiers golfer Jorge Campillo held the men’s program’s freshman scoring average record. But this season, freshman sensation Clay Merchent has taken over that record-holding spot.
A fantastic debut from @ClayMerchent. His average set a new IU program record for a freshman.
More: https://t.co/qxPSm9Hq5A pic.twitter.com/Me9T8UvIF2
— Indiana Men's Golf (@IndianaMGolf) May 26, 2021
Merchent had an 18-hole average of 72.46 this season, which was not only the best ever by a freshman in program history, but also the best average that the Hoosiers’ golf team has seen since Alex Martin averaged 72.33 in 2010. Merchent’s average is also the 10th best in program history.
The Noblesville, Ind. native had a spectacular season this spring, finishing in the top 10 in four different tournaments, and in the top five in two. Merchent became the third IU player to ever be named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and in addition, he was named a Big Ten first-team selection.
For the third time in program history, a Hoosier has been name @bigten Freshman of the Year.
Congrats to @ClayMerchent, who also earns First Team Honors. pic.twitter.com/UqLWDnIg6b
— Indiana Men's Golf (@IndianaMGolf) May 5, 2021
Merchent’s first-year dominance likely comes as no surprise to anyone who watched him compete at Noblesville High School. During his prep career, the golfer was a four-time all-state selection, who had a scoring average of 70 in his senior season. He would go on to finish second in the IHSAA state tournament last year as well.
While his name is certainly well-known locally in Indiana, Merchent has also displayed success on the national stage throughout his golf career. The IU freshman has taken home multiple American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) wins, and has also competed in the USGA Junior, Junior PGA and Pete Dye Jr. Invitational tournaments.
Perhaps even more impressive is that Merchent competed in the 2017 USGA Amateur, and also holds the record for longest drive at the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National with a 304-yard bomb.
The Hoosiers are certainly happy to have this kind of talent on their side, and Merchent should only keep getting better as he heads into his sophomore year and beyond.
