University of Tennessee Athletics
Porteous Back from Summer of Success
August 19, 2011 | Men's Golf
Aug. 19, 2011
By JOHN PAINTER
UTSports.com
The last time most of us saw Garrick Porteous, he was pulling Tennessee's sled and then some at the NCAA Men's Golf Championship.
The junior was UT's best individual finisher, helping the Vols register their third straight top-25 national showing at the NCAAs in Oklahoma. And Porteous also was Tennessee's best at the NCAA Regional in Indiana, finishing fourth to help UT make that return trip to the finals.
But just because Porteous has been out of sight for UT golf fans this summer doesn't mean he was invisible "over the pond," or back on his native amateur circuits.
Porteous registered a very successful summer of golf in his native British Isles and across the European continent, finishing second, fourth and seventh in three major events and also helping his England squad to an important team victory.
"I was happy with the way I finished up here last season," Porteous said. "I just managed to take that over the pond, I guess, and I was really happy with my play this summer.
"It's the most consistent I've played, performance-wise, with the results and everything. I am a lot more confident with my game."
Porteous was fourth in the stroke-play portion of the British Amateur before losing in the first round of match play. He also made it through stroke play at the English Amateur, but lost once again in the opening round of match play.
Porteous then placed second at the Tillman Trophy competition in Norfolk on the eastern English coast, shooting 72-72-69-71--284. UT teammates Danny Keddie and Darren Renwick also competed, with Keddie third at 70-67-77-71--285, and Renwick 13th at 69-73-73-76--291.
Last Group in Sweden
From there, Porteous, who hails from Morpeth on England's far northeastern coast, ventured overseas to a pair of prime amateur events.
First was Sweden for the European Amateur, where he finished in a tie for ninth after playing in the closing round's final threesome. Porteous carded 68-72-70-75--285 at Halmstad Golf Club in the southern portion of that Scandinavian wonderland.
"It was a really cool place and a really great experience playing in the last group," Porteous said. "I was representing England, so I got to know our group of players quite well. And that event is so well organized."
Porteous again represented his home country in impressive fashion at the Home Internationals, a team competition for young amateurs from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Porteous finished undefeated for his six matches (three singles, three foursomes) at County Sligo Golf Club in northwestern Ireland, winning four and drawing two over the three days. His England side won the team trophy.
"I just returned last Saturday, flying straight from Ireland," he said of getting ready for his final school year. "It takes a few days to get over the jet lag; I've been waking up at 6 in the morning (11 a.m. British time) since I've been back, but that's OK."
'Paid the Price'
Vols head coach Jim Kelson has enjoyed watching Porteous blossom since the senior first donned the Orange and White colors.
"We are thrilled to see Garrick perform at such a high level," Kelson said. "His progression since arriving at Tennessee has been terrific. Garrick has developed his game and confidence level through his determination and hard work. He's paid the price for success.
"He has unquestionably become one of the best players in the world for his age, and I know Garrick is really looking forward to this upcoming season."
Porteous says his time in Knoxville has flown by - "I can't believe it's my senior year" - but that he's ready to take on a leadership role heading into 2011-12.
"I'm really looking forward to our first event; definitely looking forward to it," he said. "We've got a solid team coming back and have a lot of new tournaments on our schedule. It should be fun."
Tennessee opens its 2011-12 schedule Sept. 9-11 at the Carpet Capital Collegiate in Rocky Face, Ga.
