May 5, 2009
COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M's Matt Van Zandt has been selected as a finalist for the 2009 Byron Nelson Award presented by Cleveland Golf/Srixon, in cooperation with the Four Seasons Resort and Club Las Colinas and the Salesmanship Club of Dallas.
Candidates for the Nelson Award must be graduating seniors. The selection committee considers a nominee's academic and athletic achievements, his character and integrity. Particular consideration is given to a nominee's citizenship as exemplified by the legendary Byron Nelson in his life and golf career.
Van Zandt, a senior from Houston (Elkins HS), is a three-time Academic All-Big 12 pick and earned Academic All-America honors last season. He has also been a active leader in a wide variety of campus and community service events. Van Zandt ranks third on the team in scoring this season with a 74.00 average and has had two straight top-15 finishes, including a tie for 12th at the Big 12 Championship last week.
Other finalists are Peter Malnati of Missouri, South Dakota State's Trent Peterson, Cameron Tringale of Georgia Tech and Marquette's Mike Van Sickle.
The recipient of the award will be announced at the NCAA Division I Championship May 25-30 in Toledo, Ohio.