Tampa (Florida), Apr 17: Mangalurean Rigel Fernandes who is a sophomore at the University of South Florida (USF) was tabbed the American Men's Golf Player of the Week after claiming individual medalist honours at the Irish Creek Collegiate in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Rigel also led the Bulls (USF Golf Team) to its third team championship of the season as USF won the team title. 

Rigel shot 208 (-5) overall during the three day event, tying Taylor Hancock of North Florida and Fredrik Nilehn of Kennesaw State for first place on April 12. The sophomore hit four birdies in the final round, including three on the back nine to lead the Bulls on Sunday.

Rigel has posted four of his six career top-10 finishes this season and has impressed his new coach in the process. "He embodies what you’re looking for in regards to a student-athlete – what kind of kid he is in the classroom, what kind of kid he is on the golf course, what kind of teammate he is," Bradley said. ‘It really couldn’t happen to a more deserving and nicer young man. He’s kind of the kid that makes you want to be a coach because he’s appreciative, he’s respectful, he’s hard working and he’s just a good all-around kid.”

USF will shoot for its second league title in three seasons when the American Athletic Conference Championship takes place April 26-28 in Lecanto, Fla, and Bradley wants his Bulls to continue to push forward in their pursuit of greatness. USF will serve as host for the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship May 29-June 3 at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, FL.

Rigel is the younger son of Ivan and Renny Fernandes, of Ashoknagar parish in Mangaluru.


Source: theamerican.org / gousfbulls.com