Jan. 30, 2013

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UCLA senior Pontus Widegren was named to the 2013 Ben Hogan Award Watch List, the organization announced Wednesday.

Widegren, 22, joins 26 other college golfers named to the list, which included nine players from the Pac-12 Conference.

"It's great to be named and I'm honored to be included among such great players," said Widegren. "I'm excited about the Spring season and I feel prepared to perform."

Ranked No.1 nationally by GolfStat, Widegren won his second career tournament title in October at the Cal State San Marcos Invitational. He fired rounds of 64-66-68--198 (-18), which tied the school record for best 54-hole score. His first round 64 (-8) also tied his career collegiate best round. In two Fall starts, Widegren has averaged 68.0, a figure that leads the nation, and has posted five rounds (out of six) under 70.

As a member of the Swedish National Team, Widegren, whose hometown is in Dandyerd, Sweden, has represented his native country twice at the World Amateur Team Championships and at the Palmer Cup in 2008 and 2012. Last June, Widegren helped lead the European Team to an incredible comeback on the final day, capturing seven of eight singles matches, to win the Palmer Cup.

A third-team All-American in 2011, Widegren's career scoring average entering the 2012-13 season was 72.4 with 34 rounds under par. He is a three-time all-conference honoree, earning first-team honors in 2011.

Considered the most prestigious award in men's college golf, the Ben Hogan Award is presented annually to the top men's college golfer across all-divisions and organizations. The award considers candidates' accomplishments over a 12-month period. The selection committee represents leaders in amateur and collegiate golf.

Past UCLA winners include Patrick Cantlay (2012) and Kevin Chappell (2008).

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