Nov. 10, 2010
RUSTON - Louisiana Tech's golf team will receive a little Hilton Head flavor next year as South Carolina prep star Chandler Vilcheck has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Bulldogs.
Vilcheck is rated as one of the Top 25 golfers in his class in the state of South Carolina, something LA Tech head coach Jeff Parks says is extremely impressive considering the caliber of golf played in that state.
"When Chandler strikes a golf ball, it has a different sound than most golfers," Parks said. "It clicks which means it's a pure strike. I watch a lot of golf, and Chandler is one the best ball strikers I've seen over the last two summers. He's got plenty of distance and has a great short game.
"We will work on all the details of his total game. He is a young man who can help build your program. Chandler is a great young man who comes from an incredible family and will be a great teammate. He is a very personable young man with a little Hilton Head flair."
Vilcheck plays on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT), which is a regional tour that includes Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. Currently, he is ranked No. 1 in the HJGT points system after winning both the tour's winter and fall championships.
Parks discovered Vilcheck this past June when he competed and finished in the top 15 at the Southern Junior held at Squire Creek Golf Course. It was there that Vilcheck got his first taste of the facility and the area.
"I chose Louisiana Tech because I feel like I am part of a team and a family there," Vilcheck said. "Coach Parks is so impressive with all the things he gets involved in with the players; from your swing all the way down to how you eat. Squire Creek is a very nice golf course and has a lot to offer that many other schools don't have.
"I feel like I can make an impact on my teammates and the team around me. With all that Coach Parks, Squire Creek and Louisiana Tech have to offer, our team can become something special one day."
During his high school career at Hilton Head Christian Academy, Vilcheck has helped lead the Eagles to the state tournament where the team finished second in 2008 and third in 2010. The three-sport star - he also plays football and basketball for the high school - was named all-region every year and was named to the all-state team as a junior.
Parks said Vilcheck possesses the qualities that he is looking for in a student-athlete.
"When I'm recruiting, I look for players who possess potential," Parks said. "I have confidence that I can groom them into being college golfers who have an opportunity to play professional golf down the road. I look at a myriad of factors; skill set, academics, background, family, and how they will fit in at Louisiana Tech."
Vilcheck chose Louisiana Tech over offers from Wake Forest and Furman.
Chandler Marsh Vilcheck
Bluffton, S.C. (Hilton Head Christian Academy)
High School: Lettered five years for coach Doug Langhals at Hilton Head Christian Academy ... Helped lead the Eagles to the state tournament where the program finished second in 2008 and third in 2010 ... Named all-region every year and was selected to the all-state team in 2010 ... Named to the all-tournament teams at the Lowcountry Classic and the Magnolia Invitational ... Also played basketball and football for the Eagles ... Other Golf Experience: Played in the Southern Junior at Squire Creek in June where he finished in the top 15 ... Won the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Winter Championship ... Won the HJGT Fall Championship ... Finished second at the Hilton Head Island Amateur at the age of 15 ... Is ranked 21st in his class in the state of South Carolina ... Takes lessons from Todd Anderson, the PGA Teacher of the Year ... Currently ranks No. 1 in the HJGT, which is a regional tour that includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina ... Personal: Full name is Chandler Marsh Vilcheck ... Son of Ken and Renee Vilcheck ... Has one brother, Garrett, and two sisters, Mary Katherine and Kendall ... Born Dec. 13, 1991 in Greenville, South Carolina ... Age 18.
