The 2024-25 college golf season is already shaping up to be an exciting and prestigious chapter in the history of the Texas Tech Red Raiders golf program, as three of its standout student-athletes—Charlie DeLong, Ben Gregg, and Calum Scott—have been named Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). The announcement, made official on Tuesday, not only marks an individual milestone for each of these golfers but also reflects the overall strength, academic integrity, and cultural foundation of the Texas Tech golf program. For any collegiate athlete, especially in a sport as demanding and individually driven as golf, being named an All-America Scholar requires a relentless pursuit of excellence both on the course and in the classroom. For DeLong, Gregg, and Scott, this recognition is a testament to the hours spent balancing early-morning practices, extensive travel schedules for tournaments, and rigorous academic coursework. It’s an honor that doesn’t just fall into your lap—it has to be earned through dedication, focus, and a commitment to growth in every domain.
The Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar recognition by the GCAA is one of the most prestigious honors in college golf. It is awarded to student-athletes who have not only posted strong scoring averages on the course but have also demonstrated elite academic performance and high moral character. The requirements for this honor are demanding: recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2, participate in at least 70 percent of their team’s competitive rounds, and post a stroke average of 76.0 or better. Furthermore, nominees must be juniors or seniors in academic standing and must be actively enrolled and in good academic standing at their institutions. With all those requirements in mind, it becomes even more impressive that Texas Tech has managed to produce not one, not two, but three players who meet these elite standards in the same year.
Charlie DeLong’s inclusion on the list comes as no surprise to those who have followed his steady rise throughout his collegiate career. Known for his calm demeanor, technical precision, and relentless work ethic, DeLong has been a quiet force for the Red Raiders. On the course, he’s demonstrated the kind of consistency that college coaches dream of. Rarely making mental errors and always appearing composed under pressure, DeLong has put together multiple top-10 finishes over the past two seasons and has become a trusted asset in head-to-head matchups during team play. Academically, DeLong has shown the same level of excellence. Majoring in mechanical engineering, he has juggled lab reports, design projects, and challenging problem sets with the kind of time management skills that would make any academic advisor proud. His professors speak highly of his intellectual curiosity and his team-first attitude, traits that have also made him a respected leader in the locker room.
Ben Gregg, another honoree, represents a slightly different profile, but the excellence is just as apparent. A transfer from a smaller program, Gregg took a leap of faith when he committed to Texas Tech, hoping that the bigger stage would provide both athletic and academic growth. That gamble has paid off in spades. In the 2024 spring season, Gregg caught the attention of many national analysts with his explosive performances during key tournaments, especially his breakout at the Southern Highlands Collegiate, where he shot a 66 in the final round to vault into the top five individually. His ability to go low and turn momentum in his team’s favor has made him an invaluable part of Texas Tech’s postseason ambitions. Off the course, Gregg is majoring in finance, and his GPA north of 3.5 underscores his intellectual capabilities. He’s been active in community service initiatives as well, particularly in financial literacy outreach programs aimed at high school students. Gregg’s journey from under-the-radar recruit to All-America Scholar is one that younger players across the country can draw inspiration from.
Perhaps the most recognizable name of the trio, Calum Scott, has been a pillar of the Red Raiders’ program since his arrival. A native of Nairn, Scotland, Scott brought with him a highly decorated amateur resume that included multiple wins on the European circuit. But what has separated him in Lubbock is his maturity and leadership. Since setting foot on campus, he has taken on responsibilities that go beyond scoring and performance. He’s been a cultural tone-setter, a mentor for underclassmen, and a vocal leader during team meetings. On the course, he’s lived up to the hype with multiple podium finishes and has served as a top-line player in nearly every event Texas Tech has entered. This past season, Scott averaged 71.4 strokes per round—one of the best marks in the Big 12. That performance earned him all-conference honors and a spot in the NCAA Regionals. In the classroom, he’s been equally formidable, pursuing a dual major in kinesiology and psychology with aspirations of entering sports performance research or coaching in the future. His academic portfolio is full of independent study credits, research assistantships, and presentations at university conferences, all while maintaining a GPA above 3.8. His All-America Scholar honor feels like the natural culmination of a collegiate career defined by drive, discipline, and purpose.
Together, the recognition of DeLong, Gregg, and Scott serves as a snapshot of the high standard that head coach Greg Sands and the Texas Tech golf staff have set for the program. Sands, who has built one of the most respected golf cultures in the country during his tenure, consistently emphasizes the importance of character, academics, and accountability. Under his guidance, Texas Tech has not only become a fixture at the top of national leaderboards but has also earned a reputation for producing well-rounded individuals who thrive after graduation. That ethos was on full display this past season, as the Red Raiders not only competed fiercely at the Big 12 Championships and NCAA Regionals but also boasted one of the highest team GPAs among Power Five golf programs. The GCAA’s selection of three players from the same team is a recognition not just of individual excellence but also of institutional integrity and developmental philosophy.
It’s also worth noting that these accolades come during a particularly competitive era in college golf. With NIL opportunities, increased media attention, and more international talent than ever before, the level of play across NCAA Division I is deeper and more dynamic. For Texas Tech to thrive in that environment—and for players like DeLong, Gregg, and Scott to shine both academically and athletically—is a marker of sustained excellence. Their achievements speak to the resources available in Lubbock: top-tier facilities, elite coaching, academic support services, and a culture that prioritizes long-term success over short-term wins. It’s that holistic approach that has allowed these three student-athletes to navigate the dual challenges of elite performance and academic distinction.
The recognition may also have recruiting implications. Aspiring high school golfers and their families pay close attention to how programs treat their players and whether they’re supported in developing as students and citizens, not just athletes. Honors like the Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar award can be a major selling point for coaches pitching the value of their program. And for Texas Tech, this recognition reinforces a brand that stands for excellence across the board. Future recruits looking to balance golf ambitions with academic priorities may find Lubbock an increasingly attractive destination.
In the coming months, all three honorees will play important roles in shaping Texas Tech’s fortunes for the 2024-25 season. Whether it’s leading the team in marquee tournaments, mentoring younger teammates, or continuing to set a high bar academically, DeLong, Gregg, and Scott will remain at the heart of the Red Raiders’ identity. Their recognition as Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars is not the end of their journey—it’s just another milestone on what promises to be a lifetime of achievement, on and off the course. In an era where collegiate athletics often makes headlines for the wrong reasons, their stories offer a refreshing and inspiring reminder of what student-athletes can accomplish when given the right tools, the right culture, and the right motivations.
