The Leap from Club Golf to Pro: NCCGA’s Tom Duty

During my four years with the NCCGA, I've met a lot of great people both on my team at the University of Dayton and fellow competitors at Regional and National Tournaments.  Tom Duty of East Carolina University is at the top of the list of great people I've compete against as ECU was a perennial contender at Nationals, thanks in large part to the steady play of their former President.  Tom is a blast to play as he's always in good spirits, but his decision to turn pro highlights a spectacular career as one of the most outstanding players we've had come through NCCGA in recent years.

After graduating from East Carolina in the spring of 2013 with a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Security Studies, Duty elected to turn pro after a brilliant four years of club golf.  As for some highlights:

• Best Team Accomplishment: “Winning 3 National Championships.  We spent countless hours on the range practicing and preparing for each Regional Tournament, but when it came to the NCCGA National Championships everything got magnified.  I was extremely lucky to be a part of a great group of guys who happened to be great golfers, which helped in our team success!  I feel like winning one is tough enough, but to be fortunate to win 3 is something I will cherish forever.  There are so many great teams and great players throughout the NCCGA so eachwin is HUGE.”
• Spectacular Individual Performances: He earned medalist honors at the 2012 Fall National Championship held at Sea Island by finishing at one over par 70-73 for the tournament at a second day course which hosted the McGladrey Classic a few weeks prior.  Holding onto the lead, noted Duty, “gave me confidence that I think I lacked and prepared me to take the huge step to the NGA Tour.”
• Duty’s thoughts on the NCCGA: "What the NCCGA has established is something that I think every university/college should take notice of.  Giving players a chance to compete in tournaments with other schools on a club golf level is a very special thing.  I hope the NCCGA continues to expand not only by adding new schools but also by gaining  sponsor and media recognition.  I will continue to spread the word about the importance of club golf on campus!"

The National Golf Association's (NGA) Professional Golf Tour, formerly known as the NGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour and the Rick "TC" Jordan Tour, dates back to 1988 with Rick "TC" Jordan as its owner and founder.  Jordan envisioned a golf tour that would provide professional golfers an opportunity to compete in a professional atmosphere as well as achieve financial success.  With alumni such as 2011 PGA Championship Winner Keegan Bradley, 2010 FedEx Cup Winner and PGA Tour Player of the Year Jim Furyk, 2009 British Open Champion Stewart Cink, 2007 Masters  champion Zach Johnson, and countless other PGA pros, Rick Jordan's dream has become a reality.  All told, NGA Alumni have an incredible 15 majors to their credit.

Lead Your Own Club Golf Team!

Duty is looking forward to beginning his professional career this weekend, competing in the Avoca Classic.  Let’s wish him the best of luck as he takes on this exciting part of his life.  He plans to compete in the below three tournaments before assessing the possibilities of playing full time.

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