Nov. 22, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--Men's Golf Coach Grant Robbins announced today that three native Tennesseans will play golf at the University of Memphis next year. Lexus Keoninh (Oakland High School/Murfressboro,TN), Steve Lee (Hendersonville High School/Hendersonville, TN), and Grant Milner (The Webb School/Knoxville, TN) have all signed National Letters of Intent to play at the U of M.

Keoninh is considered one of the best players in the class of 2009 in the state of Tennessee and is consistently ranked in the top-100 in the country by The Junior Golf Scoreboard. He finished in the top-20 in this year's State Open, as well as finishing third at the Tennessee State High School Championship. He won the 2008 Rutherford County Open by shooting rounds of 66-73. Keoninh also qualified for the prestigious Callaway Junior World Championship in San Diego.

"Lexus is one of the most talented players I have seen in a long time," said Coach Robbins. "He is an unbelievably hard worker that hits the ball a long way. He has already shown the ability to compete against college competition with his finishes at the Spirit of America and the State Open. With his talent and work ethic, I expect Lexus to develop into a very strong college player."

Lee is ranked as the 139th best player in the country by the Junior Golf Scoreboard. He won both the 2008 Tennessee Schoolboys Championship and 2008 USJGT Nashville Spring Open. He also finished 3rd at the 2008 Bubba Conlee National Junior, as well as 3rd at the 2008 Belle Meade Junior. Lee also finished in the top-10 in the 2008 Tennessee State AAA High School Championship.

"Steve is another very talented player that has a tremendous upside," said Robbins. "Steve is a very smart and dedicated young man who is committed to being the best player that he can be. Steve is very strong, hits the ball a long way, and has shown the ability to go low against strong competition."

Milner was named the 2008 Player of the Year by the Knoxville News Sentinel and is ranked as the 79th best player in the country by Junior Golf Scoreboard. Milner held a 2008 High School scoring average of 70.8. He finished 5th in both the 2008 Tennessee State High School Championship and the 2008 Tennessee Junior Amateur. He also finished 4th in the 2008 AJGA Stanford Financial Junior in Memphis.

"We are very excited that Grant has signed with us," said Robbins. "Grant had a great summer and has been very consistent. He has shown that he can compete on the national level and that experience will pay dividends as he gets to the college level. Grant is a very mature and talented player with an excellent work ethic."

"We are very excited with this year's signing class," said Robbins. "This is probably the best class we have signed since I have been here. All three players have the ability to step in and help us right away. Another great thing is that they have all known each other for years and will push each other to be the best they can be."