Averett University Athletics issued the following announcement on July 14
Averett became the practice round that allowed men's golf alumnus Andy Thorne '15 to hone and further develop his craft, enabling him to bloom and flourish during his time in Danville.
"Averett really brought me out of my shell and made me the communicator I am today," Thorne said. "Working alongside people from all over the world and experiencing many cultures taught me so much. I learned to become self-sufficient having moved across the world at 18 and being very independent, balanced well with the team nature of college sports. My confidence grew each semester and being captain the golf team rounded out the most fulfilling college experience. I came back to England educated, determined and willing to throw myself into any situation."
Thorne a two-time USA South Conference All-Conference selection, was also the 2012 USA South Rookie of the Year, becoming just the third golfer in program history to earn that accolade.
Following a successful collegiate career, the Woking, England, native has turned what he learned on the collegiate links into a successful career, joining a British-based golf equipment manufacture following graduation, where he began custom fitting and building golf clubs.
"Having played four years of golf at Averett and captaining the team in my final year, I always wanted to turn pro having worked so hard on my game from a young age," Thorne noted. "The professional circuit is very tough and I didn't feel I was quite ready for it after graduating, but I always knew I was going to give it a shot. I majored in sports management with a minor in communications, so working in the sports industry where I communicate for a living seemed the perfect fit for me."
In 2017, two years after graduation, Thorne opted to turn professional, completing his PGA training in 2020 and currently ranks No. 64 in the United Kingdom out of Worplesdon Golf Club.
Furthermore, Thorne also serves as a golf pro, where he works with golfers of all ages and abilities helping them to improve at the same game he fell in love with.
"I am very lucky to have the opportunity to mix competing professionally and working in a job that I love," Thorne added. "Coaching and helping people to play better golf is extremely rewarding. I get to work with a huge variety of people from groups of young juniors to senior men and women with a wide range of abilities; this means no two lessons are ever the same. I spend most of my days outside and on my feet and I have the best 'office' you can get."
Although the COVID-19 pandemic derailed some of Thorne's current professional experiences, he has made the most of his opportunities by establishing a great reputation as a top custom fitter and club builder with a substantial coaching client base during that time and hopes to compete more in the coming years.
"I would like to pursue playing competitive golf if the opportunity comes my way, but if not I have lots of options open," Thorne said. "I can't tell you exactly what route I want to go down, but thanks to my education and experience in the golf industry, I have lots to explore in the game. Having experienced the rewarding nature of teaching for the last few years I can see myself continuing for a long time."
Averett, which served as a platform that allowed Thorne's personality and business nature to flourish, is a period in which Thorne shaped lifelong friendships and saw different parts of the United States through collegiate golf.
"Being part of the small, family-oriented nature of Averett for four years has left me with friends and connections all over the world, the ability to comfortably talk to anyone and trust the people around me," Thorne described. "Not to mention the countless hours of golf practice, tournament play and the incredible experiences the golf team provided me with."
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up