Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest Men's Golf Signs Four Players
11/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
By Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeMGolf)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest men's golf coach Jerry Haas announced Friday the four members of the program's 2017 recruiting class. Kengo Aoshima, Parker Gillam, Brandon Gillis and Marco Steyn have signed letters of intent and will join the Demon Deacon program in 2017-18.
"What a great class to have players from South Africa, Hawaii, New Hampshire and North Carolina," said Haas. "Coach Dan Walters and myself are so excited about these guys. We have started an unbelievable tradition of excellence so many years ago that has been carried on by our current players. That will continue with this group and we are very excited about the future of Wake Forest golf."
Aoshima (Honolulu, Hawaii) is one of the top junior golfers in the state of Hawaii. The 2014 Interscholastic League of Honolulu medalist and 2015 runner-up, he was the runner-up at the 2014 Hawaii State Amateur. In 2014 he was a semifinalist at the IMG Academy Junior World Match Play.
"There are many reasons why I chose Wake Forest, but Coach Jerry and Coach Dan are the best coaches I have ever met," said Aoshima. "They both come from a strong golfing background, and more importantly, they are just great people to be around with. I also chose WFU because of the alumni. Arnold Palmer, the Haas family, Curtis Strange, Lanny Wadkins, the list just goes on and on. I couldn't be happier to play for the same team that these legends did. Lastly, I chose WFU because the degree has so much value. My parents also prioritized academics over athletics, and I am so glad they did because now I have the opportunity to receive world class education at WFU."
Gillam (Cary, N.C.) is another in a long line of top in-state junior players to come to Wake Forest. Last spring he led St. David's School to a state championship while winning the individual title. He is a three-time All-State honoree who helped the school finish state runner-up three times before winning the title in 2016.
"There are so many reasons I chose Wake Forest," said Gillam. "The reputation of its academics, the courses and degrees offered, the size of the campus, the strength of the golf program, and the knowledge and experience of the coaches, it all convinced me that WFU would offer me the opportunity to accomplish my educational goals and continue my personal and golf development."
Gillis (Nashua, N.H.) comes to Wake Forest as the top junior player in New Hampshire. The 2015-16 NHGA Junior Player of the Year, he has also won two individual state titles at Nashua High School. Last summer he was a quarterfinalist at the U.S. Junior Am.
"I chose Wake Forest because I believe it will give me the best opportunity to grow as both a person and a student-athlete," said Gillis.
Steyn (Cape Town, South Africa) is currently the top-ranked amateur golfer in South Africa. He is currently ranked in the top 300 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings and has represented his home nation numerous times in international competition. He has won numerous titles in junior, amateur and high school tournaments throughout South Africa in recent years.
"I chose Wake Forest for many reasons," said Steyn. "When I visited, I saw the great practice facilities on campus. They school has awesome coaches that really made me feel at home."
Aoshima, Gillam, Gillis and Steyn will join a Demon Deacon program that is currently ranked No. 13 nationally.
