UCLA men's golf NLI signees Devon Bling and Eddy Lai.
Men's Golf Signs Devon Bling and Eddy Lai
November 17, 2016 | Men's Golf
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UCLA head men's golf coach Derek Freeman has announced the signing of two golfers to National Letters of Intent. Joining the Bruins in the fall of 2017 will be Devon Bling (Ridgecrest, Calif./Sherman E. Burroughs HS) and Eddy Lai (San Jose, Calif./Bellarmine College Prep).
"We spend years watching and analyzing young players," Freeman said. "There is such a fine line between good and great. Many have talent, but very few have what we are looking for in ability. Both Devon and Eddy have that rare ability. Their success over the last few years proves their growth in the game. We are building a championship team here at UCLA and it takes special players to accomplish those goals. We have found two very talented golfers who are committed to getting better every day."
Bling will enter his senior season at Sherman E. Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest, Calif. in February. He has been named the Mojave River League MVP and Player of the Year in each of his previous three seasons, posting the lowest scoring average in the league for the last three years. Bling, who did not shoot over par throughout his junior campaign, has made it to the CIF Regional Tournament in each of his last two years.
"Devon is an extremely hard worker who learned how to win at the highest junior level," Freeman said. "He is an intelligent player who will help our team achieve the highest of goals. His goal is to be the best and be on the best team in the country. Devon practices in tough conditions every day that enable him to build the mental toughness necessary for success."
Bling, an AJGA Rolex All-American Honorable Mention selection, has earned an AJGA Polo Golf ranking of #31. He has played in 24 AJGA tournaments and has finished in the Top 10 on 15 occasions, winning the Under Armour Alison Lee Championship this past August. He was fourth at the 2016 Callaway IMG Junior World Championship, shooting the lowest round of the tournament (third-round 66). Bling also qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur in each of the last two summers. He plays with China Lake Men's Club and was the club champion in 2015 and 2016. Bling shot a course-record 59 at the China Lake Golf Course, along with the lowest four-day total ever.
"UCLA has an excellent balance of academics and sports," Bling said. "It is the best school ever to go to for sports and education. I've always wanted to go there since I was a little kid and it is only 2 ½ hours from my house."
Lai is entering his senior campaign at Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose. He has been a two-time West Catholic Athletic League First Team honoree as a sophomore and junior, also earning 2016 San Jose Mercury News Boys Golf Player of the Year and 2015 WCAL Player of the Year accolades. Lai helped the Bells to 2015 and 2016 Central Coast Section and Norcal Championships.
"Eddy has been a very successful junior for many years," Freeman said. "He has been the best junior golfer in Northern California, which has pushed him to continue his quest for greatness. Eddy continually is doing things at a higher level than his peers. This type of work ethic will allow him to become an elite player. His growth is just getting started, which is very exciting."
Lai has played in 27 AJGA events and has recorded nine Top 10 finishes, including one victory in each of the last three seasons at the AJGA Junior at Mayacama (2014), the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy (2015) and the Shanshan Feng Junior Championship (2016). He is a member of the Olympic Club, having won the 2016 boys club title.
"The real question is why wouldn't you attend UCLA?," Lai said. "UCLA provides a great balance between your academic, athletic and social life, plus the golf team is pretty sweet. I spent a lot of time talking to Coach Freeman and (assistant) Coach (Andrew) Larkin and I really like how they run the program. Plus, you get to play some of the sweetest courses in the world."
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