Colorado University Athletics
SIMPSON ADDS MISSOURI STATE CHAMPION TO CU GOLF TEAM
November 23, 2004 | Men's Golf
BOULDER - University of Colorado men's golf coach Mark Simpson has added one of the nation's top prep golfers to his roster, as Justin Bardgett, the 2004 Missouri state champion, has signed a letter-of-intent to attend CU beginning next fall.
Bardgett (pronounced bar-geay) actually contacted Simpson first, as he wrote a letter to him in July expressing interest in the CU program; since he was three years old, his family has regularly vacationed in Colorado and he fell in love with the state. Simpson's interest was immediate, as Bardgett has compiled an impressive high school and amateur resume.
"Justin winning the high school champ as a junior, and with the stroke average he posted this past summer, has proven he can play with the best amateurs in the country," Simpson said. "We are pleased that he decided to come to the University of Colorado, as he was seriously interested in several other schools and the interest was mutual."
A senior at Chaminade College Preparatory High School in St. Louis, his 67-74?141 scorecard tied for medalist honors in last spring's Missouri State High School Championships, leading his school to the team title in the process. His opening round five-under-par 67 was the lowest round ever recorded in the state championship meet, topping the previous record of 68 set by current PGA Tour professional John Daly. The 141 tied the top winning score in tourney history as well.
Bardgett was named the St. Louis Metro Player of the Year, winning eight of 11 dual meets plus the William Woods tourney in Fulton, while a fourth place finish in the district meet include a clutch par on the 18th hole that qualified his team for the state meet, where it would set a state record for low team score. A first-team All-St. Louis Metro team member, his stroke average in relation to par as a junior was +1.38. As a sophomore, he was a second-team all-metro performer.
This past summer, he played in 17 ranked tournaments, many on the AJGA circuit, posting a 73.1 average. He had three wins, along with eight top five, 12 top 10 and 14 top 20 finishes. He won the Midwest Championship on the Junior Champions Tour in impressive fashion with a 73-66?139 scorecard and had four rounds in the 60s, with 16 rounds of par or better.
Bardgett made his recruiting trip to CU earlier this month, committed to Simpson within a week of his visit and signed his letter-of-intent during the recently completed November signing period. He selected Colorado over Purdue, Colorado State and the University of Denver.
"It's always been my dream to attend college in Colorado," Bardgett said. "I am excited that Coach Simpson and Colorado took an active interest in me, because this is quite simply my dream coming true." How much does Bardgett love Colorado? He's currently in the mountains on a ski trip while his school is on Thanksgiving break.
Simpson may add one more player during the spring signing period next April; his current team is the first in his 28 years without any seniors, but does have four juniors.
