Chattanooga Men’s Golf Signs Two

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s golf program announces the signing of two high school student-athletes to compete beginning Fall 2009 on Monday. The in-state duo of Steven Fox and Alex Ratliff are lauded by Head Coach Mark Guhne as the building blocks for replacing a veteran squad after 2009-10.

“We currently play two seniors and two juniors,” said Guhne, three-time reigning Southern Conference Coach of the Year. “It is vital to keep bringing in the caliber of player that has built this program to compete on a national level.

“Steven and Alex both possess the game to make an immediate impact as well to build upon for years to come.”

Fox was a 2008 District Champion at Hendersoville High School. Highly recruited in the Southeast, he held the No. 1 ranking in Tennessee this fall. Fox is a Tennessee State Amateur Junior Champion and has not finished outside the top 10 in a completed tournament in two years. He was named to the National High School Golf Coaches Association Boys All-America team.

Ratliff posted eight wins over the course of the last year in catching Guhne’s eye. The Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett product won the 2008 District and Region Championships and was an all-state selection. Ratliff set a tournament record with a 16-under par total of 200 (69-63-68) at the Ridgefields Invitational over the summer.

The Mocs return to action Feb. 14-15 at the Gator Invitational in Gainesville, Fla. The 54-hole event is hosted by the University of Florida on the UF Golf Course.