East Michigan News

Andy Walker, head coach of Eastern Michigan University's men's golf program, announced the signing of five new players for the 2025-26 season. The recruits include three freshmen and two junior transfers, all of whom have signed an Athletic Financial Aid Agreement to join the Eagles.

"This is the most powerful class I've ever recruited at one time," said Walker. "All of the players have a couple of things in common: they win golf tournaments and their game travels."

The recruits come from diverse international backgrounds, representing five different nations. Among them are junior transfers Charlie Box from Leicester, England, and Jorge Parada from Hermosillo, Mexico. The incoming freshmen are Hugo Duquaine from Chaumont Gistoux, Belgium; Joshua Hess from Schattdorf, Switzerland; and Robby Turnbull from Auckland, New Zealand.

Both Box and Parada have shown strong performances in their current collegiate competitions. Parada is ranked No. 1 in NJCAA Division I national rankings after winning three out of four events this season. Walker commented on Parada's potential: "Jorge has an uncanny ability to make a lot of birdies... I can't wait to see what Jorge is going to do at the DI level."

Box has also had success this season, winning three times while playing at Hutchinson Community College. He stands No. 2 in NJCAA Division II rankings and is ranked No. 403 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). Walker praised Box as "one of the most recruited transfers in the country."

Turnbull is currently ranked No. 325 in WAGR and has secured eight tournament titles over the past two seasons. Walker expressed excitement about Turnbull joining Eastern Michigan: "I've watched Robby play for a few years now... His five wins, including a professional victory, in 2024 shows his fierce competitiveness."

Duquaine has achieved top-10 finishes seven times this year and won several titles in Belgium and France. Walker noted Duquaine's rapid rise: "Hugo has won multiple times this year and is climbing the WAGR rankings quickly."

Hess recently won the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship and has six event victories over two years. Walker described Hess as "a very mature incoming freshman" with a unique approach to golf.

Eastern Michigan's current golf team will resume competition in February 2025 at the Gator Invitational hosted by the University of Florida.