News Summary
Nathan Franks, a senior golfer from the University of South Carolina, has been honored by the SEC for his contributions to community service. Franks led his team in volunteer efforts while also posting impressive scores on the golf course, achieving significant results in competitions. The Gamecocks men’s golf team is gearing up for the NCAA Bremerton Regional, highlighting their ongoing achievements in collegiate athletics.
Columbia, South Carolina – Nathan Franks, a senior All-American golfer from the University of South Carolina, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions both on and off the golf course by being named to the SEC Community Service Team. This accolade was announced by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) office as part of their annual SEC Men’s Golf Awards, highlighting his commitment to community service during his college career.
Nathan Franks has served as a key player for the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s golf team for four years, consistently demonstrating leadership and skill. This season, Franks led the team in community service hours, which include various initiatives aimed at addressing hunger and food insecurity in South Carolina. His volunteer efforts included sorting donations at the Harvest Hope Food Bank, participating in the Cocky’s All Sports Camp, and assisting with a Thanksgiving donation drive for the Gamecock Pantry. Furthermore, he played a vital role in the Move-in USC event, welcoming new freshmen students to the campus.
In addition to his community service accomplishments, Franks has made significant strides on the golf course. With an impressive 70.67 stroke average, he ranks second on the Gamecocks team. This season, he achieved an outstanding 18 rounds of par or better, leading his team in this category. Franks also boasts five top-20 finishes across his ten starts, tying for the team lead alongside teammate Frankie Harris. His career scoring average stands at 71.58, marking him as one of the top performers in South Carolina’s history, positioned third behind former All-Americans Ryan Hall and Scott Stevens.
Franks recently made headlines for his impressive performance at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, where he made his PGA TOUR debut as an amateur, shooting a remarkable 67 (-4) in the opening round. Currently, the cut for the Myrtle Beach Classic sits at 1-under par, and Franks is on track to advance further in the tournament.
The Gamecocks men’s golf team is currently ranked No. 20 nationally and has secured the No. 4 seed for the upcoming NCAA Bremerton Regional. This prestigious event consists of 54 holes of stroke play over three days, running from May 23 to May 28, and the top five teams will earn a spot in the NCAA Championship in Carlsbad, California. South Carolina is aiming for its first NCAA Championship appearance since 2019.
The NCAA Bremerton Regional will witness fierce competition, featuring notable top-25 opponents such as No. 5 Arizona State, No. 8 Florida, and No. 17 Utah. The Gamecocks, now under the guidance of first-year head coach Rob Bradley, have shown remarkable consistency this season, achieving eight top-five finishes in nine regular-season events. The team is set to tee off Monday morning at Gold Mountain Golf Club, where they will be paired with teams from USF and Colorado as they strive to advance to the NCAA Championship.
This year marks South Carolina’s 31st all-time NCAA Regional appearance, a testament to the program’s longstanding success in collegiate golf. Nathan Franks’ dual impact in both community service and his athletic performance underscores the well-rounded nature of student-athletes at the University of South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Online: Franks Named to SEC Community Service Team
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service
- Gamecocks Online: Gamecocks Open NCAA Regional Play Out West Monday
- Google Search: NCAA Golf Championship
- Gamecocks Online: Gamecocks Selected to Host NCAA Softball Regional as No. 8 Seed
- Wikipedia: List of NCAA Softball Tournaments
- Gamecocks Online: Former Gamecock Tre Kelley Delivers on Promise
- Google Scholar: Tre Kelley
