The Golf Coaches Association of America honored former WKU men’s golfer Billy Tom Sargent as a PING Honorable Mention All-American, the organization announced Thursday.

Sargent, a graduating senior, earned the program’s first-ever All-American honor by compiling nine top-20 finishes during his memorable final season as a Hilltopper. Four of his nine top-20 finishes resulted in a top-five finish, and two resulted in victories for the Georgetown, Kentucky, native.

Sargent led the team with a 71.5 stroke average — the best single-season mark on record in the program — en route to becoming the first golfer in WKU history to compete in the NCAA Championships this May. Sargent finished tied for 11th at the event and earned recognition as a top-15 national finalist.

His stellar play led to more accolades as he was named to the All-Conference USA First Team and concluded his season as the No. 75 golfer in the country, according to Golfstat. He was also named to the Division 1 PING All-Region Midwest Team by the GCAA for the second straight season.

During his decorated college career, Sargent tied the program record with five wins, including a victory at Vanderbilt’s prestigious Mason Rudolph Championship. He also became the first Hilltopper to compete in multiple NCAA Regionals as an individual, winning a three-hole playoff at the Athens Regional that sprung him to the NCAA Championships this season.

Reporter Jesse Spencer can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected].