Nov. 15, 2000
Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky men's golf coach Brian Tirpak inked his first signee for the 2001-02 season, signing Brandon Waldrop, the 1999 Kentucky high school state champion from St. Xavier High School in Louisville.
"I am very excited that Brandon will be joining our program," Tirpak said. "As much as I like him as a golfer, I am even more impressed with him as a person. He will represent WKU well."
Waldrop won the KHSAA championship as a junior, firing rounds of 73 and 68 to top the field of 156 golfers. This season, he finished second at the regional championship. Over the summer he won the Kentucky/West Virginia Jr. Optimist Qualifier with a round of 68, while placing second of 70 golfers at the PGA Junior Qualifier, and second of 56 at the Generation Next Championship. He also collected wins at two local tournaments -- the Independent Insurance Agents Qaulifier and Sun Valley Men's Club Championship.
"Brandon is the type of person that leads by example," Tirpak added. "He has played in a lot of big events, so he is very laid back and handles himself well in pressure situations."
He proved that point this summer winning the Tri-State Junior Championship, leading the Kentucky team over Indiana and Tennessee by ten shots. The win was the first ever for a Kentucky team in this event.
Tirpak cites Waldrop's strengths as his ability to hit long off the tee, as well as being a good putter.
"For someone who hits long, he has good touch on the greens. That is something that is rare for young golfers," said Tirpak. "Brandon is a very good athlete, and I expect him to fit in well here at Western."
- WKU -
