University of Tennessee Athletics
Golf Adds Two to Already Strong Class
June 15, 2012 | Men's Golf
June 15, 2012
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Volunteer golf has added two newcomers to an already strong incoming class head coach Jim Kelson announced Friday, adding freshman Oliver Goss and transfer sophomore Thomas Dunne to the list of 2012 commits.
"The addition of Oliver and Thomas will make a significant difference in our program," Kelson said. "Much like our three initial signees, these young men are coming to the University of Tennessee for the right reason--to win."
Goss hails from Perth, Australia, and brings an impressive resume with him to Knoxville. He is currently ranked 22nd among all men's amateurs in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
The winner of the prestigious 2012 Western Australian Amateur, Goss has compiled an extensive resume as an amateur player. He finished tied for second in stroke play portion at the 2012 Australian Amateur and tied for fifth in 2012 Malaysian Amateur Open. Added to his list of credentials is a third-round 64 at the 2012 Australian Master of the Amateurs en route to a T-8 finish in the event held at the famed Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
"Oliver is the highest ranked player we have recruited to the University of Tennessee," Kelson said of Goss. "He certainly possesses all of the tools to excel in intercollegiate golf. We look forward to helping Oliver reach all of his goals and aspirations."
Dunne comes to Rocky Top as a transfer for Northern Illinois University where he recently completed his freshman year.
The Columbus, Ohio, native is rapidly establishing himself in the collegiate golf world. In addition to qualifying for the 2012 US Open Sectionals, Dunne proved himself as one of the best players in the Mid-American Conference by finishing tied for eighth at the 2012 Mid-American Conference Championship.
His freshman campaign at NIU was highlighted by a T-7 showing at the 2012 FAU Spring Break Championship and a 13th-place performance at the 2012 Boilermaker Invitational where he shot a six-under 66 in the second round.
"Thomas is begging to see how talented he can be," Kelson said. "He certainly has the ability to be a key player for us. He is consistently getting better each and every day. I doubt there will be any player on our roster that will outwork Thomas. We are thankful that he has decided to joint our program because he is one of those individuals that simply does all of the right things."
Goss and Dunne join the lauded initial signee class of Chad Merzbacher, Grant Daugherty, and Mike Nagy to complete UT's 2012 recruits.
"Our team is thrilled that Oliver and Thomas have decided to join the program," Kelson said. "We firmly believe that our initial signing class was among the best in the country. The additions will undoubtedly set the platform for our program to excel. These players have all stated that they are coming to the University of Tennessee to win championships. Our staff believes in them and their approach."
The Vols wrapped up the 2011-12 campaign with 10 top-10 finishes and a trip to the 2012 NCAAWest Regional, where they placed sixth.
