by Tommy Hayfield

Created on: February 20, 2010   Last Updated: March 30, 2010

Troy Merritt was born in Iowa and settled in Fridley, Minnesota later in his youth where he went to Spring Lake Park High School.  As a collegiate athlete Troy Merritt won 21 tournaments in four years which were divided between Division II Winona State University (Minnesota) and Division I Boise State University (Idaho.) 

As a freshman at Winona State he had to try out to make the golf team where he shone after making the team.  He was named Division II All-American in his sophomore season as well as being named a member of the Freshman All-America team. After his sophomore season he took a job at his uncle's country club and ran into Boise State coach Kevin Burton while in the process of shooting a 63 on that course.  Coach Burton invited him to play at Boise State and he accepted.  He continued to win at Boise State and he got thoughtful coaching advice from his first real coach who emphasized a focus on posture and alignment.  

Merritt went on to win 9 tournaments at Boise State in tougher Division I competition;  he had won 12 tournaments at Winona State in his two years there.  In his first season at Boise State Merritt had a 71.9 scoring average which was third best all-time at the school. He had the low scoring average in all Division I his senior season at Boise State with a 69.53.  As a senior at Boise State he was a second team All-American. 

Merritt went to PGA Qualifying School to earn an exemption for the 2010 tour and he was impressive by leading or tying for the lead in all six of the qualifying rounds to make the PGA Tour;  this had only been done twice previously.  His ability to take control of that tournament and hold on to it is what people are impressed with as Troy Merritt begins his PGA career.

On the 2010 tour Merritt has earned almost $160,000 in his first three tournaments which were all top 20 finishes.  As a pro he has shown a driving distance of 277.80 and is number 8 in Par 5 Performances so far.  He has also ranked 9th in Par 3 Performance in the early going.

Sources:

http://www.thegolfchannel.com/players/troy-merritt/s tats/

http://www.broncosports.com

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