MOSCOW, Idaho -- University of Idaho men's golf head coach David Nuhn announced the signing of three future student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent for the 2022-23 season. The signing class includes James Swan, Sam Johnson, and Joe Sykes.
"This might be our best overall class during my time here at Idaho," said head coach David Nuhn. "I believe each player will have an immediate impact and not only compete for a lineup spot, but be the top player on our team. These three have committed to the work involved with being elite in our sport and I trust that Idaho is a proper place for them to realize their goals."
James Swan | Victoria, British Columbia, Canada | Gorge Vale Golf Club
Swan, a Victoria, British Columbia native, will make the move to Moscow after competing at North Idaho College for two seasons. Back in August, he qualified and competed in the 2021 US Amateur at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. During his lone season as a Cardinal, Swan earned four victories out of eight events while tallying a 69.8 scoring average during the fall season in 2021.
"I'm really excited to get another star player from North Idaho College here to Moscow and Vandal Golf," said Nuhn. "Coach Grove has a winning team up in Coeur d' Alene (ID) and his players learn how to win under his guidance. James should come to Moscow comfortable with success and having played at the national amateur level in both Canada and the US. He is fearless of the competition at this next level. James will be looking to be a leader on this team, and I welcome that attitude from our recruits."
Swan's high school career at Oak Bay High School was highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 2020 BC Junior Championship and a second place finish at the 2019 Golf Canada future links series event. He recorded an 18 hole average of 72.5 in 2020.
Sam Johnson | Congleton, UK | Astbury Golf Club
Johnson, a Congleton, United Kingdom native, is making his way to the United States after an impressive career at Congleton High School. In the summer of 2021, he was named champion at the Faldo Series U18 event and also won the Cheshire boys strokeplay title, winning by six shots to finish three-under par.
"Even just 10 years ago, the recruiting game was different," said Nuhn. "Kids in the UK would go overlooked. Kids like Sam (Johnson) would possibly not have a chance in the states, and not because he lacked the talent. Now the game has changed. The UK is a hotbed of great recruits and Idaho has to fight hard to get the best in England here to Moscow. We earned a great victory with the signing of Sam Johnson. He's experienced in regional play as well as many events against older players. This will serve him well in college golf. I can't wait to see what Sam can do for Vandal golf."
In 2021, Johnson has competed in eight tournaments at the prep level while hitting an average of 74. Earlier in his prep career, Johnson finished as the Scratch Cup winner at his home course of Astbury Golf Club and Wilmslow Golf Club. He also qualified for match play at the British Boys Amateur Championships.
Joe Sykes| Littlehampton, England | Golf at Goodwood
Sykes, a Littlehampton, England native, will join the program after competing at The Angmering School. Individually, Sykes most recently earned first place at the Sussex Amateur Championship back in September. He helped lead Hampshire's U18 Team to win the Donelly Shield after Sykes shot the best individual round score with a four-under par (68). Throughout his prep career, Sykes lowest competitive round score is seven-under, 63.
"Joe Sykes has an extremely high ceiling in golf," said Nuhn. I'm really excited to see how Joe will progress while at Idaho. His round of 16 result at the British Boys Championship shows he can play with anyone in the UK. His golf swing and work ethic are fantastic. Joe will raise the bar on daily effort. While we will patiently await Joe's arrival in Moscow, my anticipation for his impact will grow each day."
Sykes has made notable appearances at his home course at Goodwood, where he was named club champion in 2019 and 2020. A competitor at the 2021 British Boys Championships, Sykes went on to finish in the final 16.
