BYU golfer invited to prestigious Arnold Palmer Cup

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Peter Kuest holds his finish after an initial drive. Kuest was recently named to the United States Arnold Palmer Cup team. (BYU Photo)

BYU men’s golfer Peter Kuest was named to the United States Arnold Palmer Cup team.

“It’s a huge honor to be chosen to be on the team,” Kuest said. “Being able to play in the Palmer Cup is amazing and it is a true honor to be able to play for Mr. Palmer and everything he has done for the game of golf.”

Kuest was one of six players to automatically qualify for the team based off his No. 1 ranking in the Arnold Palmer Cup standings. A committee and coaches chose the other six players to complete the twelve-man roster, which is compiled of the country’s top collegiate golfers.

“To have the opportunity to represent BYU and the USA in the event is something I am really excited about and I hope to represent both to the best of my abilities,” Kuest said.

The Arnold Palmer Cup was co-founded by Arnold Palmer and The Golf Coaches Association of America. Historically, great venues have highlighted the competition since it first began in 1997. The Alotian Club — located in Roland, Arkansas — will host this year’s Arnold Palmer Cup June 7-9.

This course is one of America’s top-tier golf clubs and ranks No. 31 on Golf Digest’s biennial ranking “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.” The competition is known for holding the matches at historic venues such as The Honors Course, Royal Liverpool, Prestwick, Wilmington Country Club and Atlanta Athletic Club. Now the Alotian Club will be added to the hefty list.

At the conclusion of the 2002 event at Doonbeg in Ireland, the team composition was changed by including European players, including players from Great Britain and Ireland. The effects of this decision significantly changed the Arnold Palmer Cup, giving the matches a more international appeal. The U.S. currently leads the all-time series 11-9-1.

Many outstanding collegiate golfers have participated in the Arnold Palmer Cup. Fifty-three former Arnold Palmer Cup players haveachieved 195 victories on the PGA or European Tours.

Peter Kuest receives his plaque after winning the John A. Burns Invitational with a score of 10-under. (Jack Urquhart)

Kuest is not the first Cougar to be selected for the team. Former BYU golfer and All-American Clay Ogden competed in the event in 2006 and Pub Links Champion Andy Miller in 2000.

“What an opportunity for Peter to play in such a prestigious event representing the U.S. in an international team competition,” BYU men’s golf head coach Bruce Brockbank said. “It will be a great honor to be on a team that represents Arnold Palmer and an experience he’ll never forget.”

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