'He's a relentless worker': Auburn freshman golfer C.J. Easley

'He's a relentless worker': Auburn freshman golfer C.J. Easley'He's a relentless worker': Auburn freshman golfer C.J. Easley
Shanna Lockwood/AU Athletics

C.J. Easley with Auburn golf coach Nick Clinard at the Tiger Invitational

OPELIKA, Ala. – In a field that included the R & A Amateur champion, the NCAA runner-up and SEC Championship co-medalists, freshman C.J. Easley delivered Auburn's top performance at the Tiger Invitational.

"I putted really well all week," said Easley, who finished second, one shot away from his first collegiate individual title. "My ball striking was consistent all week, so that was good to see, but really putted really well."

Easley broke par all three rounds, shooting 68-71-69 at Grand National, leading Auburn's B team to a second-place finish behind Auburn's first unit.

"It was a lot of fun sure," Easley said of contending for medalist honors. "It was the first time I've been in that position in a while. I love that feeling and just can't wait for it again.

"We've kind of been saying that all year, how deep of a team we are. We can take any five guys on the team to a tournament and compete and win every tournament. It really showed this week with both teams finishing one and two. It really showed how good and how deep we are."

Auburn's starting five features previously referenced stars Jovan Rebula, Brandon Mancheno and Graysen Huff, but Easley believes he's capable of contributing should coach Nick Clinard insert him in the lineup.

"Of course, I feel like everyone on the team feels that way," he said. "Practice and play and wait for your opportunity and when your opportunity is called, try to take advantage of it."

Easley earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors for his performance at the Tiger Invitational, the fourth Auburn golfer to receive conference recognition this season.

"He's got a lot of power," said Clinard. "He came into college about a 112 club speed guy, now he's about 125. He's a relentless worker. He's probably one of my better athletes that I have, he moves really well in the gym. He's got a great body for golf. He's going to be a big-time player so watch out for him over the next couple years."

Growing up in Oxford, Mississippi, Easley could have played SEC golf without leaving his hometown. Instead, he chose to head east to the Plains, a decision that's paying dividends for Easley and for Auburn.

"I've loved it so far," he said. "It's been everything that I've imagined and better. Getting here in August, it was different being five hours away from home, getting used to living on own, but I've loved every bit of it. It's been an amazing experience so far. Can't wait for the next three years."

 

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer