TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo Head Men's Golf Coach Jeff Roope announced the signing of Barend Botha (George, South Africa) and Jamie Tofte Nielsen (Wittbek, Denmark) to National Letters of Intent on Monday. The duo will begin attending the University of Toledo in the 2020-21 academic year.

        "We could not be more thrilled to have Jamie and Barend join the Rockets next season," Roope said. "We've known both young men for what it seems like years now. I've had the chance to see both compete at the highest levels of junior and amateur golf, including the British Boys Amateur most recently, and am quite excited about their futures." 

       

Botha will be joining his brother NJ with the Rockets' program next fall. He has registered numerous Top 10 finishes in the last two years, including a tournament title at the Nomads Coastal NOOM after carding a one-under 143. Botha also posted Top Five showings at the SANLAM Cape Province Open (3^rd/68-73-68-68), Dimension Data Junior Open (T-3^rd/72-68-74), Sun International Africa Junior Open (5^th/73-72-70) and SA Boys Championship (T-5^th).

        "Barend continues to be one of the up-and-coming stars in South African golf and brings big tournament experience to our program," Roope said. "The Southern Cape is filled with top amateurs and Division I players, so for Barend to thrive in the region says something about his abilities and potential.  The opportunity to reunite Barend with his brother NJ is a pretty special thing, too."

 
       A member of the Danish World Cup team, Nielsen possesses a 72.6 scoring average this year and placed seventh in the 2019 Danish Men's Amateur. He has captured tournament titles at the 2019 Scandinavian Masters, the 2019 National Junior Amateur and the 2018 Kokkedal Open. He also posted the lowest round ever at the Sollerod Golf Club with a seven-under par 65.

        "Jamie is a talented player who continues to earn accolade after accolade in Denmark," Roope said. "Being a Danish Junior National team member and now earning a selection to the Danish Amateur National team are two amazing honors for Jamie and says something about his level of play."