Georgia Tech junior Ollie Schniederjans, one of the favorites for National Player of the Year, said Monday that he will remain in school for his senior season.
Schniederjans has won a school-record five times this season – tied for the most in NCAA Division I – and is a finalist for the Ben Hogan Award. It surely won’t be the last of his accolades, as he’s ranked No. 4 in the country on a team that figures to contend for this year’s NCAA Championship.
“I want to get my degree from Georgia Tech, continue to be a part of the golf program for my last year and help the team win,” Schniederjans said in a school release announcing the decision. His five career titles puts him three shy of the school record, set by David Duval (1990-93) and Bryce Molder (1998-2001).
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This appears to be a wise decision. Several highly ranked players are turning pro this year after NCAAs: Stanford junior Patrick Rodgers, the favorite for NCAA Player of the Year; Alabama senior Bobby Wyatt, a U.S. Walker Cupper; and Cal senior Brandon Hagy, one of the game’s most intriguing prospects. By staying in school for his final season, Schniederjans ensures that he is THE guy to beat in 2014-15.
“I can use the next year to plan all the things necessary to turn pro after we finish the season,” he said.