Russell Henley capped off one of the best seasons of any Bulldog Golfer by becoming the first ever Bulldog to receive the Fred Haskins Award. Considered the Heisman Trophy of college golf, The Haskins Award is given annually to the most outstanding player in college golf. Votes from college players and coaches, past recipients of the Haskins Award, and members of the National Golf Writers Association determine the recipient of the award. The Fred Haskins award is named in memory of the former head professional of the Country Club of Columbus in Columbus, GA.
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| Russell Henley receives the Haskins Award at Sanford Stadium |
Henley's name now resides on the Haskins Award along side names like: Ben Crenshaw, Curtis Strange, Jay Haas, Bobby Clampett, Bob Tway, Brad Faxon, Scott Verplank, Phil Mickelson, Billy Mayfair, Bob Estes, David Duval, Stewart Cink, Justin Leonard, Hunter Mahan, Graeme McDowell, and Tiger Woods.
The award was first given out in 1971 to Ben Crenshaw. Crenshaw won the award again in '72 and '73 and was the only three time recipient until Phil Mickelson won the award in '90, '91, and '92. Tiger Woods was the recipient of the Haskins Award following his 1996 college season. Henley is only the second golfer from the SEC to receive the award, joining the 1976 winner, Phil Hancock from Florida.
Currently the Haskins Award is available for viewing at the Boyd Golf Center here in Athens until this spring when it will be returned to its home at the Country Club of Columbus.
