It was a banner blue and gold day on Thursday, August 23, when Governor Bill Haslam, Senator Bob Corker and UT President Joe DiPietro visited campus to high five Mocs golfer Steven Fox. Fox won the U.S. Amateur Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club in Colorado less than a week ago.
UT President Joe DiPietro and Mocs golfer Steven Fox
A reception for Fox in Lansing Court additionally drew elected officials, faculty, staff, student athletes and classmates who came out to show their support and pride in Fox’s accomplishment. Fox was appreciative of everyone taking the time to attend the event.
“To represent the Power C is an honor,” Fox told the crowd.
From his den on Lookout Mountain, Chancellor Roger Brown watched Fox with growing excitement as the senior business major calmly advanced. Brown called Fox’s win “one of the greatest events in UC and UTC history.” He spoke of Fox’s true grit and courage.
“Steven set a high bar for performance and sportsmanship,” Brown said.
Brown wasn’t the only who watched the nail-biter. Senator Bob Corker told the UTC crowd he was “glued to the television.” With every putt, he found himself either “leaning left, or leaning right.” He called Fox after his big win.
“He has nurturing parents, because Steven had empathy for the person who lost. He was a gracious, empathetic winner,” Corker said.
Fox’s opponent, University of California-Berkeley junior Michael Weaver, had his winning putt on No. 36 wrap around the cup and come out, which extended the match for one more hole. Fox took advantage by sinking a 15-footer for birdie and the win on the first playoff.
According to the USGA website, the victory “has earned Fox an exemption to next year’s U.S. Open and British Open and a likely invitation to the 2013 Masters Tournament.”
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