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THIS SEASON: Nick Jones returns as USC's most seasoned golfer, with 38 career collegiate tournaments under his belt. Jones is poised to build upon a solid junior season in which he emerged as one of the top golfers on the west coast.
FALL RESULTS: Jones is off to a good start so far this season ... Through five tournaments this fall, Jones has a 72.1 stroke average--second best on the squad ... He finished seventh at the Northwest Classic with three rounds of 69 for a career-low score of 207 ... Was second to teammate Hunter Mahan at the Windon Memorial Classic with a score of 214.
Nick Jones in the Fall of 2000:
Northwest Classic: 69-69-69--207 (Seventh tie)
William H. Tucker: 76-73-72--221 (33rd tie)
Windon Memorial: 70-69-75--214 (Second tie)
Red River Classic: 77-71-73--221 (49th tie)
Jerry Pate Intercoll.: 74-73-72--219 (31st tie)
1999-00: Nick played in 14 tournaments for USC as a junior, including the Pac-10 Championships, the NCAA West Regional and the NCAA Championships ... Finished fourth on the squad with a stroke average of 74.5 and had a low round of 67... Shot rounds of 69 and 67 to finish second and lead the Trojans to the team championship at the Ping Intercollegiate ... Shot a 67 second round on his way to a ninth-place showing at the NCAA West Regionals in Fresno, Calif. (USC finished fourth) ... Led the Trojans at the Thunderbird Invitational and the Western Intercollegiate.
1998-99: Nick played in 10 tournaments for USC as a sophomore ... His stroke average of 74.9 was third best on the team ... Qualified for the U.S. Amateur in the summer of 1999 after shooting 141 (70,71) to finish second at Pauma Valley, Calif. ... Shot a season-best 215 (73, 70, 72) to finish ninth and help pace the Trojans to a fifth place showing at the Tennessee Invitational in Knoxville, Tenn. ... Shot a 216 (75, 71, 70) and finished 18th at the ASU Thunderbird Invitational in Tempe, Ariz.
1997-98: Nick played in nine tournaments for USC as a freshman, including the Pac-10 Championships and NCAA West Regional ... He finished with a stroke average of 75.4 ... Led the Trojans at the ASU Thunderbird/Savane Invitational (216, sixth) and tied with Charlie Woerner for the team lead at the NCAA West Regional (222, 42nd).
HIGH SCHOOL: Nick won the 1996 San Diego County CIF high school championship while at San Marcos High in Carlsbad, Calif. ... He was an All-League performer and on the Academic Honor Roll for all four years ... In 1997, he was also the Palomar League Most Valuable Player and the Academic Golf Captain for San Diego County ... Qualified for the second stage of U.S. Open qualifying ... Was 12th in AJGA tournaments at Mission Hills and Aviara.
LINKS: Born on March 9, 1979, in Edina, Minn., Nick is majoring in business at USC.
Nick Jones's Career Highlights
Lowest 54-Hole Score: 207
Lowest Round: 67
Top 10 Finishes: 6
Top 5 Finishes: 2
Rounds in 60s: 8
PERSONAL:
His most thrilling moment in sports: "Winning the San Diego CIF Championship because it was my first big win."
The funniest thing that ever happened to him on the course: "Playing nine holes with Bill Murray and Scott Simpson."
His Biggest Sports Hero: "It's Michael Jordan because he was the best at what he did and he showed class in victory and defeat."
Why he chose to attend USC: "Because of the combination of great academics and athletics."
Kurt Schuette on Nick Jones: "Nick's driving and long iron play is his strength. He needs to improve his short irons. His overall short game has become much better and he's contuing to work hard on that. He has become a very solid player."
