Dec. 12, 2011
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa head men’s golf coach Mark Hankins has announced Voramate Aussarassakorn and Nate Yankovich have signed their National Letters of Intent to attend and play golf at the University of Iowa beginning in the fall of 2012.
“I am very pleased with our incoming class of 2012,” Hankins said. “Voramate and Nate have golf games that somewhat complement each other. I expect both to compete for starting positions immediately here at Iowa.”
Aussarassakorn, a native of Bangkok, Thailand, is currently ranked 65th in the 2012 class by AJGA’s Polo Golf rankings. He has qualified for the Thailand National Team the past two years and won the 2011 qualifier with four rounds under par. Aussarassakorn compiled four top-10 finishes in five AJGA events during the summer of 2011. Highlighting his performances were fourth place finishes at the AJGA Junior at Quad Cities and the Coca-Cola Junior Championships at Boyne Highlands. He also tied for sixth at the Midwest Junior Players Championship and tied for seventh at the McArthur Towel & Sports Future Legends.
Aussarassakorn represents Ramkhamhaeng Advent International School in prep competition and has won the International Schools Junior Golf Championship in 2009, 2010 and 2011. He also won the I.S.A.T. Golf Championship in 2009. He plans on working towards a degree in finance at Iowa.
“To get the most out of my experience in staying, studying and playing golf overseas, I chose the University of Iowa, which provides a safe and friendly environment, good studying opportunities and a golf program with a great coach, team and facility,” said Aussarassakorn. “I believe Iowa provides all of the things that I’m looking for. I’m excited to start studying and improving my golf skills at Iowa.”
“Voramate achieved a high junior ranking this past summer with play in the United States. He is a member of a very strong Thailand national junior team that prepares their athletes for international competition. He has played all over the world and proved he can play with the best junior players in the United States. His overall game, mentally and physically, makes him extremely consistent for a young player.”
Yankovich has been a standout for St. Charles Preparatory in Blacklick, Ohio, and is currently ranked 137th in the class of 2012. He posted a T7 finish at the 2011 Hudson Junior and tied for 12th at both the 2011 AJGA Junior at Quad Cities and Lockton Kansas City Junior.
Yankovich helped St. Charles Prep to Division I Ohio State Championships in 2009 and 2010, finishing runner-up as an individual in 2009. He was named Division I first team All-Ohio in 2009 and second team in 2010. Yankovich has been selected to the All-District team three consecutive years and named runner-up District Player of the Year in 2011. Additionally, he is a three-time honoree to the All-Central Catholic League and three-time academic All-Ohio. He plans on majoring in business.
“I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to play at the University of Iowa,” said Yankovich. “Coach Hankins has helped establish a sensational program, and it’s a perfect time to join the team. I chose Iowa because I want to be a part of a team that competes for Big Ten championships and NCAA titles, and over the past years Iowa has shown these qualities.”
“Nate has been climbing the ladder, nationally, for the past two years,” Hankins said. “He proved that with his solid play the past summer and fall. He is a physically gifted athlete and has shown the competitive qualities that we require here at the University of Iowa. Nate will be a fine addition to our Hawkeye team as he continues to gain regional and national golf experience throughout his offseason and next summer.”