University of Connecticut Athletics
Manuel Named Player Of Year In Maine
10/26/2020 9:32:00 PM | Men's Golf
UConn freshman Caleb Manuel (Topsham, Me.) has put the finishing touch on a year of outstanding golf in his home state by being named the 2020 Dr. Leonardo Buck Player of the Year by the Maine State Golf Association.
The Buck Player of the Year is awarded to the player who accumulates the most points over a year-long competition among all the MSGA tournaments. The race began on Aug. 1, 2019 and ran through the end of July, 2020. Points are awarded at all MSGA weekly, mid-week and championship tournaments, along with certain regional championships, with points awarded based on a combination of the field size and the importance of the event.
Manuel, who graduated Mt. Ararat High School last spring, has played stellar golf throughout the year, finishing fourth at the 2020 Maine Amateur Championship, third at the New England Amateur Championship and second at the 2019 Match Play International. He also won two MSGA Play Days.
Although he earned no points for the event, Manuel also won the MSGA Junior Championship with an astounding double-eagle on the final hole and he came in second by one stroke at The Maine Event, a tourney for state pros and amateurs, held at Augusta Country Club and Waterville Country Club, which replaced the Maine Open this year.
For good measure, Manuel set a course record with a 59 at his home course, Brunswick Golf Club, a round that included nine birdies in a row, followed by a chip-in eagle.
Manuel has not yet competed at UConn, since the fall season was canceled by the global pandemic, but the Huskies are hopeful of their season beginning in the spring of 2021.
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