ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Georgia men’s golf team has signed three players to its 2024 class – Billy Abdow, James Earle and Matt Moloney – head coach Chris Haack announced Monday afternoon.
“I think Billy, James and Matt will come in and immediately challenge for playing time,” Coach Haack said. “All three of them are really talented, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see any of those guys crack the lineup when they come in. They’re very competitive players and high-character athletes who are all capable of playing at this level.”
Billy Abdow – Duluth, Ga.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Abdow attended Rivers Academy Private School in Alpharetta and is set to graduate this coming spring. He has had three top-10 finishes in the past two years, including a runner-up finish in the 2022 Georgia Amateur Championship, which he cites as his top accomplishment in his career thus far. Most recently, Abdow finished tied for ninth at the SCJGA – 29th Annual Bobby Chapman, shooting 73-70 in the event. Billy is the son of Anne and Paul Abdow and has a sister named Tate.
“Billy had a really good year last year, finishing second in the state amateur so he brings in a lot of potential and talent,” Coach Haack said. “He’s a kid with a lot of upside and I’m really excited to have him join our program.”
James Earle – Jupiter, Fla.
Standing at 6-foot tall, Earle played for his local school at Jupiter High School in Jupiter, Fla., posting an 18-hole average of 70.9. In 2021, Earle was one of 12 golfers in the county named to the boys All-Palm Beach Post County team after helping lead his team to a district runner-up finish. The following season, he finished tied for 19th at the 3A Florida Boys High School Golf Tournament.
Earle also played in the US Amateur Championships at Cherry Hills in August, which he cited as his favorite golf memory. During the qualifying tournament for the event, Earle shot a course record at Ballenisles Country Club on the East Course, carding a bogey-free 63. The son of Michelle and Geordie Earle, James has two siblings – Jack, 20, and Sarah, 13.
“I chose Georgia because I have dreamed of representing the ‘G’ since I first picked up a club,” Earle said. “I believe I can become the best player and person I can while in Athens. The coaches are not just unbelievable at player development but also even better people. I can’t wait to represent this program starting this fall.”
Matt Moloney – Daniel Island, S.C.
Moloney will graduate from Bishop England High School in Davis Island, S.C., peaking as the second-ranked golfer in his high school class. He was a member of the 2022 Junior President’s Cup team, helping lead the U.S. to a 13-11 win. Since 2022, Moloney has had two tournament wins – at the 2022 Sung Hyun Park Junior Championship and The Dye Junior Championship in 2022 – and five top-10 finishes. Most recently, he finished 14th at the AJGA Invitational presented by PING shooting 221.
Matt is the son of Kathy and John Moloney and the brother to Joe, 32, and Jack, 19. He chose Georgia because of its tradition, the players’ results over the years and his connection with his future teammates.
“He was one of the top recruits in the country, so we’re thrilled to be able to get him to come down to Athens,” Coach Haack said. “He will fit in perfectly with our program. We are excited to watch him start building amateur play and a great junior career.”
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