MOSCOW, Idaho – Vandal men's golf coach David Nuhn announced the signing of North Idaho College transfer Josh McCartain, the reigning NWAC Golfer of the Year.
 
McCartain is a native of Bognor Regis, England, on the southern coast and just miles west of current Vandal Joe Sykes' hometown of Littlehampton.
 
He has been at NIC since the fall of 2022 and under the tutelage of Vandal golf alum Russell Grove, has excelled. In 2022-23, he earned five individual wins and edged out current Vandal Dalton Dean for NWAC Golfer of the Year honors.
 
So far this season, he has finished in the top-five in all four of the tournaments he has competed in, including a pair of wins and an 11-under finish at the Rocky Mountain College Beartooth Invite where he finished nine strokes ahead of the field.
 
His home club is the Golf at Goodwood Club where he is the 2023 Club Champion. To win the title, he beat friend Sykes by two strokes.
 
"I am super excited for Josh to have this opportunity," Grove said. "His goal has been to play Division I golf from the get-go, and to get to experience that with some of his friends from back home growing up will be a great experience for him. Josh used his time here at North Idaho College to sharpen his skills and step upward to that next level. He has certainly proven himself ready during his time at NIC. I'm excited to see what he and the Vandals can accomplish in the next couple of years. Vandal Nation (my alma mater) has a great golfer and person coming their way next fall."
 
McCartain joins fellow Englishmen Sykes and Sam Johnson on the team. He will come in ahead of the 2024-25 season with another Englishman, Oliver Johnson.
 
His resume was a key part of his appeal for Nuhn, but it wasn't everything. He will bring a lot of intangible elements to the roster for Idaho.
 
"I am thrilled for Josh to join our team next fall," Nuhn said. "He brings experience in winning, confidence, and depth to our team. I'm excited to add another high-level player from England to our squad. Coach Grove has built a national contender up in Coeur d' Alene, and I appreciate his confidence in what we are doing here in Moscow. Josh has become a clear standout regionally and is in contention to win every time he tees it up. I don't expect that to change once he starts competing for the Vandals. Welcome to the team, Josh!"
 
The Vandals are off for winter break but return to action at the Loyola Intercollegiate on Feb. 25-27 in Pheonix.