The Eastern Michigan University men's golf team is set to soar in the 2024-25 season with the addition of Lucas Hughes, a dynamic transfer from Grand Canyon University. Announced on Aug. 1, Hughes, hailing from Bend, Oregon, brings a wealth of experience and success that promises to elevate the Eagles’ performance.
At Grand Canyon University, Hughes played a pivotal role in the club team’s dominance, contributing to consecutive National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA) Team National Championships. These victories came at the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club in Philadelphia, Mississippi, in the Fall of 2023 and at the Winstar Golf Club in Thackerville, Oklahoma, in the Spring of 2024. Individually, Hughes showcased his skill by tying for fourth place at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in Spring 2023 and securing a tie for second at Winstar Golf Club in Spring 2024.
Hughes’s talent was evident early on at Summit High School, where his senior year saw the team achieve nine wins and a remarkable team score of 16-under at the OSAA 6A State Championship. His high school career was honored, including being named Team MVP as a freshman and leading his team to the 2022 OSAA 6A State Golf Team Championship. From 2019 to 2022, Hughes consistently excelled in state championships. His junior golf career was equally distinguished, highlighted by titles such as the 2020 Oregon Junior Stroke Play Champion and the 2020 Central Oregon Junior Champion and a strong showing at the 2021 IMG Junior World.
"I'm very excited to add Lucas to our roster," said Head Coach Andy Walker in an interview with EMU Athletics. "He's played golf at a very high level his whole career, and now it's time for him to step up to the biggest stage in college golf and show everyone what he's got. Sometimes, you just need an opportunity, and with the support of Eastern Michigan and GameAbove, we are grateful to provide this opportunity to Lucas and his family. I cannot wait to get him to Ypsi."
Hughes joins an impressive cohort of transfers, including Timothy Chan from Hong Kong, Pietro Fenoglio from Italy, Rory McDonald O'Brien from England, Daniel Robles Delval from Spain, and Bavake Sihota from Canada. With this diverse and talented lineup, the Eagles are poised for a standout season.
