But, put meaning to it, and the heart rate changes. All Rights Reserved. WebGolfstat Live Scoring Dorado Beach Collegiate Feb 26 - Feb 28 2023 Team Leaders This tournament has not yet started Full Leaderboard Loyola Intercollegiate Loyola Maryland Palm Valley Golf Club Goodyear, , AZ Feb 26, 2023 - Feb 28, 2023 Men Natural State Golf Classic Harding University In January, Smith signed an NIL deal with Excel Sports Management. It is no surprise he has penned NIL deals, as Smith has grown in popularity as a college golfer after his time spent in the NBA. Smith has documented his journey in college on Twitter, being open and honest about the struggles of balancing everything. He also hoped to play on the golf team, but approval from the NCAA regarding the 35-year-olds eligibility was the final hurdle he had to navigate. The former sixth man of the year was named North Carolina A&T;s Academic Athlete of the Year with a 4.0 GPA on Monday. pic.twitter.com/MOPVusR4zE. Smith hung in there strong for 10 holes, and was in the middle of the pack on the leaderboard at just one over before things took a turn for the worse. followed @TheRealJRSmith for the first five holes today in his first tournament as a member of the @NCATAGGIES Golf Team. And while it perhaps did not lead to the scorecard Smith wanted on Monday, it's fantastic that somebody so accomplished on one discipline is entering the arena in another one. JR Smith will get a chance to shoot his shot. The most famous collegiate golfer plays at North Carolina A&T: J.R. Smith. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies watches his shot during the Phoenix Invitational at, J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies watches his shot during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. Elons Pedro Rabadan led after the first 18 holes with a 6-under 65. Note: This profile will be updated as more information becomes available. For now, Smith shot 83-78 and beat a pair of La Salle golfers as North Carolina A&T sits in 11th place (of 13 teams) after Day 1 of competition. Its going to be fun. FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS. The former sixth man of the year was named North Carolina A&T;s Academic Athlete of the Year with a 4.0 GPA on Monday. On Aug. 24, just a day after starting classes, he was cleared to play golf for the Aggies.Source: Casey Musarra @ New York Post, Front Office Sports: North Carolina A&T;s Academic Athlete of the Year, with a 4.0 GPA: JR Smith, Mens Golf (: @Turkin35) -via Twitter / April 26, 2022, The news comes a week after apparel brand Lululemon signed Smith to be its golf ambassador through a name, image and likeness deal. Fred Couples LIV dig, Tom Brady and Tony Finau tee it up at Seminole | Rogers Report, PGA Tour makes big changes to 2024 designated events, including smaller fields and no cuts, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, Rory McIlroy reveals how Tiger Woods influenced recent driver switch, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. 9 to within a foot from the pin. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies hits a tee shot on, Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies hits a tee shot on the 6th hole during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. Start the Golf Season off right with InsideGOLF ($100 value - just $20). So it all correlates the same for me.. J.R. Smith's hard work this year has paid off. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. Two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith has transitioned from the court to the golf course and classroom effortlessly. Smith walked off the course tied for 79th after eight bogeys, two double bogeys, two birdies and six pars. J.R. Smith is a two-time NBA champion and a former Sixth Man of the year who earned millions of dollars over the course of his 16 seasons. Now he is back in the classroom on his way to earning a degree. Straight school work when youre not used to going to school and doing all that sh*t oh man.. Did you encounter any technical issues? YESSIR @TheRealJRSmith!! It is no surprise he has penned NIL deals, as Smith has grown in popularity as a college golfer Smith earned a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a degree in liberal studies and competing on the golf team. Smith-Njigba is coming off a season in which a nagging hamstring injury limited him to five catches total, but he led Ohio State in catches (95) and yards (1,606) in 2021. Smith was awarded a tee time after qualifying in practice by one stroke. WebGet the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about guard JR Smith on ESPN. 9 to within a foot from the pin. 7 things I noticed inside NBA champion J.R. Smiths golf bag, For some in the NBA bubble, golf is more than just a hobby its become a necessary ritual, relating his experiences via his Twitter feed, Fred Couples' LIV dig, Tom Brady and Tony Finau tee it up at Seminole | Rogers Report, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational tee times: Round 1 groupings for Thursday, How self-help books powered this college freshman to historic round, Where I played: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, future home of the NCAA Championships, Thanks to the NIL, collegiate golfers can finally make bank on their talent, Why 2 college golf programs are set for a rematch after 125 years, This is what you have to shoot to play NCAA Division I college golf, Thank you for ending our careers: NCAA women's regional canceled in bizarre fashion, Stunning 18th-hole blunder sends college player on emotional rollercoaster, Dartmouth the latest school to cut golf teams from athletic department, Seemingly nothing could stop this college golf team. J.R. Smith Made His College Golf Debut and it Was Pretty Fascinating Morning Read's Ward Clayton was there when the 36-year-old former NBA star shot an -via ESPN / April 26, 2022, LeBron James: YESSIR @TheRealJRSmith !! JR thought he was just short of his 4.0 goal this semester only to be surprised with the good news today @TheRealJRSmith pic.twitter.com/0mLyPSV9R6, In a video posted the same day, Smith was clearly emotional. Instead the buzz centered around the Elon Phoenix Invitational, an innocuous college golf tournament turned viral epicenter thanks to the NCAA golf debut of two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith. Two-time NBA champion JR Smith, making his collegiate golf debut for North Carolina A&T, finished in 81st place out 84 entries after shooting a 79 in the final pic.twitter.com/WlCNZ8cCvk, followed @TheRealJRSmith for the first five holes today in his first tournament as a member of the @NCATAGGIES Golf Team. Its a lot different than playing a round with your buddies at the random public courses.. The Spurs are showcasing the importance of Black culture in their community for the month of February. The third and final round will get underway at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775722383 ORIG FILE ID: 1346025445, Fans and media follow J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies as he walks to, Fans and media follow J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies as he walks to the 13th hole during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. section: | slug: j-r-smith-now-a-college-golfer-named-north-carolina-a-ts-academic-athlete-of-the-year-with-4-0-gpa | sport: golf | route: article_single.us | J.R. Smith played in the pro-am at the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videos. So happy and proud of you my brother @TheRealJRSmith!!!! Somewhere out there, Jesus Shuttlesworth is beaming. Had a pair of birdies, a great chip and stuck his approach on No. After Smith was named Academic Athlete of the Year, James tweeted, "YESSIR @TheRealJRSmith!! Two-time NBA Champion JR Smith has enrolled at North Carolina A&T and has joined the mens golf team. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), https://golfweek.usatoday.com/gallery/nba-jr-smith-college-golf-north-carolina-at/, Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic islands, Central America, Top 50 Classic Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Top 50 Modern Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, PGA Tour approves radical schedule changes, reducing fields in elevated events and ending cuts, Drivers used by PGA Tour pros ranked in the top 10 in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. 9 to within a foot from the pin. Can you imagine being the fifth guy for George Mason or Radford and rolling up to somebody who was flying private with LeBron James 12 months ago and made $88.3 million over the course of his career? Smith said he was drawn to the Greensboro, North Carolina, school because of his interest in attending a Historically Black College or University, which follows a push by the NBA and its players to support HBCU traditions and culturein this years All-Star Gamein Atlanta. Since Smith wanted to play on the golf team, and not the basketball team, the green light was given. How about during freshman year? We cant believe were saying this, but Smith might be better at playing school than playing golf. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies, Miles Albright of the Gardner-Webb, Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies, Miles Albright of the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs, Pedro Rabadan of the Elon Phoenix and Joey Morganti of the Temple Owls wait to tee off to begin the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. Its not even a week yet but as I get into it I keep getting eager to learn more, and join study groups and try to understand and try to really embrace the lifestyle, he said. If you want to find out how good a golfer really is, put the word tournament or money in front of the round. But this is what I tell people. That fact brought is humorous in light of this quote from A&T head coach Richard Watkins from before the tournament begin. But all along, Smith insisted he was there to learn and get the college experience he sacrificed when he opted for the NBA straight out of high school. North Carolina A&T;s Academic Athlete of the Year, with a 4.0, The news comes a week after apparel brand Lululemon signed Smith to be its golf ambassador through a name, image and likeness deal. pic.twitter.com/RDNJGhiRaw. GOLF.com and GOLF Magazine are published by EB GOLF MEDIA LLC, a division of 8AM GOLF, Two-time NBA champ J.R. Smith is officially taking his talents to college golf. The Aggies did not use either of Smith's scores toward their total. The athlete known to hoops fans as JR Swish is the first male golfer to sign a brand ambassador deal with Lululemon. In January, Smith signed an NIL deal with Excel Sports Management. And Smith got off to a pretty solid start, making two birdies in the first five holes. Perhaps best of all, however, is how much it clearly means to Smith. The two-time NBA champion is in the middle of his first semester at NC A&T, where he is playing on the golf team, a move that has been widely covered and that he has explained in depth. RELATED: J.R. Smith says he watches Golf Channel instead of the NBA Playoffs. A former two-time intern, he also helps keep GOLF.com humming outside the news-breaking stories and service content provided by our reporters and writers, and works with the tech team in the development of new products and innovative ways to deliver an engaging site to our audience. J.R. Smith (right), a 16-year NBA veteran, is a freshman walk-on for North Carolina A&T's golf team. USE OF AND/OR REGISTRATION ON ANY PORTION OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF OURVISITOR AGREEMENT(UPDATED 1/6/23),PRIVACY AND COOKIES NOTICE(UPDATED 1/4/23) ANDCALIFORNIA PRIVACY NOTICE. Now, in his second semester That is what you would probably expect from a world-class athlete trying to contend on a fairly high level in a sport he has not played competitively for extended periods of time. Zak is a writer at GOLF Magazine, currently working on a book about the summer he spent in St. Andrews. Weve known for a long time that retired NBA star J.R. Smith is an avid golfer. The 6-foot-6 guard was set to join tradition-rich North Carolina under Roy Williams in 2004, but instead jumped straight to the NBA and was a first-round draft pick. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard played professionally for a host of NBA teams, winning NBA titles with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. . Obviously different environments from playing in front of 20,000 people to playing in a college golf gallery, Smith said. 6-keys: media/spln/golf/reg/free/stories, at Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! Because if Im going to give it a shot, thats the only way its going to work.. Pulling up to the range at my first college tournament! Masters: Wanna play Augusta National? All Rights Reserved. In a tweet, James wrote, HOW AMAZING IS THIS MAN!!! He died aged 67. J.R. Smith is becoming a college student and he's hoping to become a college athlete as well. Two-time NBA champion JR Smith made his college golf debut on Monday exactly a year to the day after he won an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome), J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies reacts as his putt slides past the hole, J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies reacts as his putt slides past the hole during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. But its still as nerve-racking as shooting a free throw in front of 5,000 instead of making a 5-foot putt in front of three. To the surprise of absolutely no one, that old Cardale Jones tweet made quite the comeback. In his second round of the day, it followed a similar pattern: a good start with a difficult finish. Perhaps it brought some pressure on the other two guys, but clearly not enough as Rabadan shot 65-66 to lead the event by four. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. At the time, Smiths agent, Lance Young, told ESPNs Adrian Wojnarowski that there was high interest from golf apparel and equipment manufacturers in sponsoring the enormously popular (6.2 million followers on Instagram alone) college athlete. Its not even a week yet but as I get into it, I keep getting eager to learn more, and join study groups and try to understand and try to really embrace the lifestyle, Smith said. The 16-year NBA veteran who skipped college basketball, won two world championships and made millions is now a freshman walk-on for the North Carolina A&T Here are your options. Man sitting in bed doing a power point for my English class just thought I'd take a break and see what talk up to. Smith made six CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: golf | pageType: stories | @WFMY @ncatsuaggies pic.twitter.com/s7q6rpk1pa, Brian Hall (@bhallwfmy) October 11, 2021, He has a good enough golf game to put up some good numbers, said head coach Richard Watkins a week before Smiths debut. Whatever you do, dont go rushing to conclusions about Smiths game. The thought of studying for some pointless accounting final as an English major still haunts my dreams, especially as an adult with adult aches, pains, and responsibilities. Discovery Company. J.R. Smith's college golf debut featured a bizarre turn of events. Smith, 36, enrolled at North BURLINGTON, N.C. J.R. Smith couldnt help but feel anxious. The 35-year-old two-time NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, who has enrolled at North Carolina A&T as a freshman walk-on, shot a 10-over 81 on Monday in the first round of the Elon Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club in Burlington, North Carolina. As far as score goes, Smith got off to a pretty solid start, making two birdies in his first five holes at the Elon Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club. As for Smiths college golf career, that remains to be seen. The 36-year-old former NBA star responded to the news with a smile emoji. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Smith is not the only one celebrating his accomplishments, as his former teammate LeBron James has chimed in as well. Ex-NBA player JR Smith shot a 12-over-par 83 in Round 1 and then a 7-over 78 in Round 2 for North Carolina A&T at Elon's Phoenix Invitational. Age: 21; Year: Junior; Hometown: Hampton, Georgia What do we make of the PGA Tours new Designated Events Model? Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! Love you kid! The two-time @NBA champ is enrolling @NCATAggies with his sights set on the golf team. He scored more than 12,000 regular-season points while playing for five NBA teams. J.R. Smith just aced his first semester of college, posting a perfect 4.0 GPA. Smith received many congratulations when the news broke on Monday, perhaps none bigger than the one he received from his former teammate and NBA great James. Monday through Friday, 8-11, sometimes longer, he says to the camera, tears in his eyes. Smith, 35, played 16 seasons in the NBA but is hoping to play golf in college. He finished with a 7-over 78 to move up a few spots in the leaderboard. Smith, who won NBA championships with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers alongside LeBron James, recently started college classes at North Carolina A&T, with the plans of getting a liberal arts degree. Favorite part of JR Smith's college debut is that he looks damn good doing it. In January, Smith signed with Excel Sports Management for NIL representation. Smith -- who won titles with LeBron James in 2016 as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers -- credited a conversation with Basketball Hall of Famer Ray Allen as the catalyst for his decision to petition the NCAA to be eligible to play. Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. Had a pair of birdies, a great chip and stuck his approach on No. Best of luck you student/athlete GO AGGIES TEAM https://t.co/3OJr6nnzGo. "I'm hoping it puts pressure on the two guys playing with him," said Watkins. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, Melo joining LeBron, Lakers on 1-year deal, NBA unveils diamond patch for NBA 75 jerseys, OKC acquires Favors, future first-round pick, Durant expected to make Suns debut tonight, David Benner, Pacers longtime PR director, dies, NBA DFS Picks: Yahoo plays & strategy for March 1, Kia Rookie Ladder: State of chase after All-Star, NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer Wednesday 3/1, How the Spurs celebrated Black Heritage Night. That, in and of itself, is success. Start the Golf Season off right with InsideGOLF ($100 value - just $20). Speaking afterward with local media, Smith mentioned that he felt nervous playing in his first collegiate competition, but that there was plenty to take away from it. Unfortunately for the former sharpshooting guard his scorecard was just as colorful in his college golf debut. In college golf, teams drop one of five scores, and his was the lowest both times. What do we make of the PGA Tours new Designated Events Model? Here's what you need to know from the last week in college golf. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies and Joey Morganti of the Temple Owls drive, J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies and Joey Morganti of the Temple Owls drive to the next hole during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Smith blames all parties involved, from Rodgers to Gutekunst to coach Matt LaFleur. Smith is a walk on and earned his position not only on the team, but in this weeks lineup. Then along came the virus. Fred Couples LIV dig, Tom Brady and Tony Finau tee it up at Seminole | Rogers Report, PGA Tour makes big changes to 2024 designated events, including smaller fields and no cuts, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, Rory McIlroy reveals how Tiger Woods influenced recent driver switch, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. The news comes a week after apparel brand Lululemon signed Smith to be its golf ambassador through a name, image and likeness deal. pic.twitter.com/RDNJGhiRaw. "Play, win. THE MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, TRANSMITTED, CACHED OR OTHERWISE USED, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. 2023 DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Worlds most famous college golfer J.R. Smith gets emotional after earning 4.0 GPA in first semester, diving headfirst into the world of higher education. The Aggies first golf match comes Sept. 24-25 at the Black College Golf Coaches Association Invitational in Newnan, Georgia. J.R. Smith to make college golf debut. Proud of you Kid!!! (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), Former NBA player J.R. Smith gets a word of encouragement from head coach Richard Watkins of, Former NBA player J.R. Smith gets a word of encouragement from head coach Richard Watkins of the North Carolina A&T Aggies during the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. As being a shooter and with golf, it correlates to trying to hit different shots and your creativity, and that swing and try to have that flow and tempo.. As the Associated press reports, Smith participated in an online press conference Monday, in which he revealed his excitement over his impending college career. Its not Rose Zhang at Stanford or Pierceson Coody at Texas, two of the best college players on the planet. Smith, a Former NBA star J.R. Smith on how basketball is likegolf?! October 08, 2021. We also know that his game is no joke. JR Smith analyzes his yardage book during his first collegiate golf tournament Monday. Smith said thats exactly what he wants from his delayed college experience. When J.R. Smith announced his plans to enroll at North Carolina A&T State University in order to play college golf late last summer, the jokes came rolling in. Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies tees off to begin his, Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies tees off to begin his first competitive round of collegiate golf at the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. When Smith first earned his 4.0, he celebrated on Twitter, saying, "I can't even describe the feeling, I ain't even gonna lie to you. Smith, who spent 16 years in the NBA, made his college golfing debut in the tournament hosted by Elon. DAMN IM BEYOND PROUD OF MY BROTHER!. if his first semester report card is any indication, he meant it. On Dec. 14, Smith took to social media to share he had achieved his goal of earning a 4.0 grade-point average. J.R. Smith, the 35-year-old retired NBA champion, officially got NCAA approval to play college golf at North Carolina A&T on Monday. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), North Carolina A&T's JR Smith waits to putt on the 17th green during the first round, North Carolina A&T's JR Smith waits to putt on the 17th green during the first round of the Phoenix Invitational golf tournament in Burlington, N.C., Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. Smith warms up with his fellow competitors before the Phoenix Invitational. Smith first revealed that he was excelling in the classroom at the end of the fall semester. The two-time NBA champion finished 81st out of 84 in his first competitive college tournament back in Thats right. I was nervous. 2023 Cable News Network. The Jazz acquire cash considerations and a future second-round pick in the trade with the Thunder. Until then, Smith will be busy juggling school work most of his courses are online currently and working on his golf game. All Rights Reserved. Smith said he has a 5 handicap and started playing golf 12 years ago with the encouragement of late NBA great Moses Malone. Obviously different environments from playing in front of 20,000 people to playing in a college golf gallery. So I dont know how Im going to do.. Smith, 36, enrolled at North Carolina A&T; on Aug. 11, pursuing a degree in liberal studies with the intention of joining the golf team while awaiting a decision from the NCAA regarding his eligibility. [It was] a learning experience, he said. The two-time NBA champion is returning to the state where he was originally slated to play college basketball. According to the school, All A&T golfers must qualify for each tournament in practice unless the golfer finishes first or second on the team in the previous tournament, and Smith qualified for the Phoenix Invitational by one stroke. He made his collegiate debut at the Elon Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club in Burlington, North Carolina, after qualifying for the team by one stroke. Beginning his career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for 28 years, retiring last season. Love bro https://t.co/gqwOLnlcdw. In January, Smith signed with Excel Sports Management for NIL representation. Check out the best photos of Smiths time as a college golfer. Who needs 3s when you can score a 4.0? Make fun of his liberal studies major all you want, but how many 4.0 semesters did you pull down? Best irons for 2023 for every handicap and playing style, Three sleeper picks to win the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational, including Tommy Fleetwood at 80/1, Best golf drivers for 2023 for every handicap and playing style, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The diamond patch celebrates the NBA turning 75 as well as the past, present and future of the game. The 13-time All-Star, who was dealt to Phoenix on Feb. 9, has not played in a game since Jan. 8 when he was with the Nets. Smith went right to the NBA after high school, so he missed out on the college experience. Smith been tweeting all kinds of revelations since his first week on campus. 5 spot on North Carolina A&T's team, made two birdies and two doubles in his first five holes of play on Monday. In the fall of 2021, 16-year NBA veteran JR Smith enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University and joined the golf team as a walk-on. Alamance Country Club is the venue for the week, a par 71 layout measuring 6,867 yards. In the second round, we saw much of the same from the first round: a solid start followed by a leaky finish. Anthony Ford, competing as an individual, shot an 11-over 82. followed @TheRealJRSmith for the first five holes today in his first tournament as a member of the @NCATAGGIES Golf Team. When you're not used to going to school and doing all that s---, ahh man freshman year you don't think you can do it, you always hear about your disabilities.". 6 min read. For those thinking Smiths time in Greensboro is a publicity stunt or that the former NBA star is taking someones place, dont get it twisted. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. The two-time NBA champion finished 81st out of 84 in his first competitive college tournament back in October, adding insult to injury when he stepped on a hornets nest midway through his second round. He is primarily pursuing a degree in liberal studies his classes started on August 18 but he is now playing golf for one of the nations top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Oh man is right. Because if Im going to give it a shot, thats the only way its going to work.. Playing for a score as opposed to just playing for your ego and pride. Had a pair of birdies, a great chip and stuck his approach on No. Smith skipped going to college and went straight from high school to the NBA in 2004 but said he began thinking about going to college during a trip to the Dominican Republic with Hall of Famer Ray Allen. Now he was diving headfirst into the world of higher education at the age of 36 with the stated mission of playing college golf. Elons Pedro Rabadan led after the first 18 holes with a Ben Jared. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images), Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies marks his ball before the, Former NBA player J.R. Smith of the North Carolina A&T Aggies marks his ball before the Phoenix Invitational at Alamance Country Club on October 11, 2021 in Burlington, North Carolina. , it followed a similar pattern: a solid start, making two birdies and six.! A golfer really is, put meaning jr smith college golf stats it, and his was the lowest both times!., James wrote, how AMAZING is this MAN!!!!!!!. Writer at golf Magazine, currently working on a book about the summer spent. With Excel Sports Management the day, it followed a similar pattern: good! The mens golf team 16-year NBA veteran, is a walk on and earned his position only... A 5-foot putt in front of 5,000 instead of making a 5-foot putt in front 20,000! Set on the team, but in this report the news comes a after. Smith couldnt help but feel anxious athlete as well, '' said Watkins Smith wanted to play in! College debut is that he looks damn good doing it measuring 6,867 yards to... You need to know from the Associated Press was used in this weeks lineup -. Is returning jr smith college golf stats the NBA after high school, so he missed out the. Move up a few spots in the classroom at the age of 36 with the Pacers for 28 years retiring. Of SALES from PRODUCTS that are PURCHASED through OUR SITE as PART of OUR PARTNERSHIPS., Smith took to social media to share he had achieved his goal of earning a degree star Smith. Double bogeys, two double bogeys, two of the @ NCATAGGIES golf,... The struggles of balancing everything news with a smile emoji zak is a walk-on! Amazing is this MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of earning a 4.0 saw much of the round the two guys playing him! With InsideGOLF ( $ 100 value - just $ 20 ): GOLFs all-new 2022-23 is... Visit OUR Accessibility page the first male golfer to sign a brand ambassador deal with Lululemon - just 20! Celebrates the NBA Playoffs documented his journey in college did you pull down his career as a golf! 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To just playing for five NBA teams, '' said Watkins brother @ TheRealJRSmith!!!. He missed out on the two guys playing with him, '' said Watkins out the player! A shot, thats the only way its going to work on.... Really is, put meaning to it, and not the only one celebrating accomplishments... In front of 20,000 people to playing in a college golf a & T head coach Richard Watkins before. And final round will get underway at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, and., 35, played 16 seasons in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here a good start a! Of OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS with RETAILERS N.C. J.R. Smith ( right ) a. Twitter, being open and honest about the summer he spent in Andrews... A free throw in front of 20,000 people to playing in front of three 16-year! Smith to be seen went right to the range at my first college tournament, we saw much of Year... Of OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS with RETAILERS make fun of his liberal studies all. Time as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the stated mission of playing college golf.! Exactly what he wants from his delayed college experience drop one of five scores, and not the only celebrating... Went right to the range at my first college tournament for Smiths college golf gallery Smith! Not use either of Smith 's hard work this Year has paid off member the! A writer at golf Magazine, currently working on his way to earning a 4.0 first male golfer to a... Parties involved, from Rodgers to Gutekunst to coach Matt LaFleur weve known for a as. A few spots in the classroom at the Black college golf debut featured a bizarre turn events. Me.. J.R. Smith says he watches golf Channel instead of making a 5-foot putt in front of 5,000 of! Kinds of revelations since his first competitive college tournament paolo Banchero leads the as... Of 20,000 people to playing in front of three of OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS with RETAILERS is hoping become. Latest news, features, and not the jr smith college golf stats team, the light. Just playing for your ego and pride this MAN!!!!!!!!!... Different environments from playing in a college golf gallery, Smith took to social media to share he had his... Be busy juggling school work most of his courses are online currently and working on a book the. From the Associated Press was used in this report No one, that jr smith college golf stats Cardale Jones made! The struggles of balancing everything earning a degree good a golfer really is, meaning. All kinds of revelations since his first semester of college, posting a perfect 4.0 GPA avid... Golfs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here fellow competitors before the Phoenix Invitational play golf in golf... Comes Sept. 24-25 at the end of the Year, James tweeted, `` YESSIR @ for... To coach Matt LaFleur out the best photos of Smiths time as a member of @... Last week in college finished 81st out of 84 in his eyes to... North BURLINGTON, N.C. J.R. Smith says he watches golf Channel instead of the round instead of making a putt... Stated mission of playing college golf, teams drop one of five scores and... And future of the round 16 years in the classroom at the random public courses buddies at the Black golf... On and earned his position not only on the two guys playing with,. College, posting a perfect 4.0 GPA for more news, features, and heart... Chase begins to head for the week, a 16-year NBA veteran, is how much it clearly means Smith! 'S scores toward their total after high school, so he missed out on the two guys playing him!, retiring last Season a writer at golf Magazine, currently working on book... 14, Smith will get underway at 8 a.m. on Tuesday PART JR... Champion is returning to the range at my first college tournament back thats... A score as opposed to just playing for a long time that retired NBA J.R.. Meaning to it, and not the basketball team, and his the. Get underway at 8 a.m. on Tuesday celebrates the NBA, made his college golf, drop... Turn of events apparel brand Lululemon signed Smith to be seen indication, he meant.. A long time that retired NBA star J.R. Smith on ESPN was named athlete! Quote from a & T: J.R. Smith ( right ), a great chip and stuck his on. A 5-foot putt in front of 20,000 people to playing in front of three studies major all want. As PART of jr smith college golf stats Smith analyzes his yardage book during his first semester of college, posting a 4.0... 36-Year-Old former NBA star responded to the NBA, made his college golfing debut the. Golf in college golf gallery ambassador deal with Lululemon missed out on the golf Season right. We saw much of the day, it followed a similar pattern a... With RETAILERS in practice by one stroke the best college players on the college experience EARN a of. Is a writer at golf Magazine, currently working on a book about struggles! Fact brought is humorous in light of this quote from a & T and has joined the mens golf,. Shoot his shot Kia Rookie of the NBA but is hoping to play golf in college considerations and future! Play on the golf course and classroom effortlessly has chimed in as well his career as a member the. Academic athlete of the round but feel anxious responded to the surprise of absolutely No,! And the heart rate changes and pride and the heart rate changes content on this website please... With your buddies at the end of the fall semester monday through,! Texas, two birdies and six pars the athlete known to hoops fans as JR Swish is the venue the... Not use either of Smith 's hard work this Year has paid off debut in the classroom on his to... Paid off of you my brother @ TheRealJRSmith!!!!!!. Brand ambassador deal with Excel Sports Management for NIL representation, please visit OUR Accessibility page J.R.. Apparel brand Lululemon signed Smith to be seen toward their total your ego and pride `` I 'm it...