The Butler men's golf team has announced the signing of four standout student-athletes to national letters of intent. Will Horne, Kenny Leseur, Connor McNeely, and Derek Tabor will join the program beginning with the 2022-23 academic year.
 
"We are excited to welcome these student-athletes to our program," expressed Butler head coach Colby Huffman. "They all have physical ability and the work ethic to become tremendous college players. We look forward to getting to work with them here at Butler."
 
Will Horne, Brentwood, England / Becket Keys HS
 
With limited opportunities in 2021 due to COVID, Horne still had strong showings in national and international competitions. As a member of the England Golf Under-18 Boy's Squad, he helped his home country retain the "Home Internationals" title by winning 4 points, and over the course of the season, did not miss a cut and included wins in several Invitationals. He also led the County of Essex to its first appearance at the national finals, ultimately finishing second as a team.
 
The previous year, Horne had first-place finishes in the Faldo Series at Vale, the European Junior Tour at Bedford, and the Essex Golf Union U-21 Championship. An additional victory at the England Golf Under-18 Selection weekend earned him one of only eight spots on the 2021 England Boy's Squad. Other top finishes included second in the Faldo Series at Kedleston, second at the Essex Golf Union Men's Amateur Championships, and 15th at the England U-18 Boy's Championship. Throughout the year, he registered rounds of 9-under par on three different occasions.
 
Kenny Leseur, Warwick, Bermuda / Montverde Academy
 
Leseur joins the Bulldogs having attained a ranking as high as fourth in the world in the 2022 class, and 16th overall. At 15 years of age, Leseur qualified for the PGA Tour's 2019 Bermuda Championship, becoming the second youngest player to ever compete in a PGA Tour event.
 
His junior year, he had performances that included a win at the International Junior Golf Tour event at Bishop's Gate and a third at the FCG International. The previous season, he won the IJGT Lake County Open, shooting 6-under par, as well as the Faldo Series US Grand Final. During his freshman season, Leseur also picked up multiple tournament wins, including the IMG Florida Challenge.
 
Connor McNeely, Noblesville, Ind. / Guerin Catholic HS
 
After winning the 2020 Indiana Junior Golf Masters Tour Championship, McNeely had several top finishes in 2021 tournaments. Those included a win at the Golfweek Junior Tour Event at Chatham Hills, third at Indiana Junior Golf Boys State, and sixth at the AJGA Circle K Junior Championship. He also made the cut at the 72^nd Press Thornton Future Masters Invitational, ultimately finishing 2021 with a stroke play tournament gross scoring average of 73.9.
 
As a freshman at Guerin Catholic, McNeely led his team at the sectional tournament and then fired a 74 in the school's first-ever appearance at the 2019 Indiana state finals, with the team ultimately landing in fourth place. During his junior season (2021), he earned medalist honors in two regular season events as well as the regional championship, and the team finished second in the state finals. In addition to golf, the two-sport star competed on the high school basketball team.
 
In previous years, McNeely qualified locally and advanced to compete in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 USKG World Teen Championships at Pinehurst. Also in 2017, he competed as a Drive, Chip, and Putt national finalist at Augusta National in the 12-13-year-old age group.
 
Derek Tabor, New Castle, Ind. / New Castle HS
 
At New Castle High School, Tabor posted a scoring average of 72.3 throughout his senior season and was a state finalist, finishing fourth as an individual. In addition, he was the sectional champion, conference champion, and earned medalist honors in 14 of 18 events. His performances earned him All-State and all-conference honors, the 2021 Muncie Star Press Athlete of the Year award, and a No. 5 ranking from Junior Golf Scoreboard for the Class of 2022 in Indiana. He also won a sectional championship and received all-conference honors his sophomore season.
 
Additional achievements for Tabor include finishing fourth at the 2021 World Teens at Pinehurst event, being selected to the 2021 World Teen Van Horn Cup team event, and winning the 2020 US Kids Fall Series. Through the Indiana Golf Association, he was the 2020 IGA Boys State runner-up, the 2018 PGA Jr IGA Age Group Champion, and the PGA Jr IGA Season Points Champion. His personal best score is 59.