Eric Croux begins his fourth season with the program for the spring '21 docket.
KSU had success despite the shortened 2019-20 season due to COVID-19. The Owls had three top-10 finishes against impressive competition in the Golfweek Conference Challenge, Magnolia Invitational, and Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational. KSU placed two members on the ASUN's 10-member all-conference team. First-year Owls Tai Anudit and Meva Schmit headlined a strong list. Anudit was the top-ranked golfer in the ASUN. The junior's adjusted scoring vs. par was 1.48 and had an average score was 73.14. Her top finish was her last tournament, when she tied for third in helping lead KSU to a tie for seventh at the Dr. Donnis Invitational in Hawaii. The Phitsanulok, Thailand native was a shot away from a playoff for first place. She had nine rounds under par with eight at par or better, and was a unanimous selection. Schmit was the ninth ranked player in the ASUN. The freshman had a 2.70 score adjusted vs. par and an average score of 74.40. The Bali, Indonesia native's best showing was when she was named the ASUN Conference Women's Golfer of the Week after her first collegiate tournament. At the Golfweek Conference Challenge, she tied for eighth with a 211.
The Owls thrived in 2018-19 under Rhyll Brinsmead and Croux's leadership. KSU set the program scoring record with a 294.17 scoring average. The Owls won three events including back-to-back ASUN titles for the first time in program history. KSU posted 10 top 10 finishes in 11 events.
Following KSU’s success, the Owls racked up accolades as Clara Aveling was named both ASUN Women's Golfer of the Year and ASUN First Team All-Conference. Chloe Thornton was tabbed Freshman of the Year, First Team All-Conference and landed a spot on the All-Freshmen Team. Roanne Tomlinson collected ASUN First Team All-Conference honors. Medy Thavong earned a spot on ASUN All-Conference Second Team and All-Academic Team. Brinsmead rounded out the season by being named the league’s Coach of the Year for the fifth time in her tenure.
Brinsmead and Croux guided the Owls to one of the best seasons in program history in 2017-18 as the Owls finished with a 296.24 four-player scoring average and collected two tournament wins and 11 top 10 tournament finishes. KSU also won its second ASUN Conference Championship title in four seasons in 2018.
The Owls collected a plethora of postseason awards as Madison Caldwell was named the ASUN Women's Golfer of the Year and an ASUN First Team All-Conference selection, while Brinsmead collected the ASUN Coach of the Year Award. Senior Henriette Nielsen and junior Roanne Tomlinson were selected to the All-ASUN First Team. Juniors Clara Aveling and Charlotte Charrayre were named to the All-ASUN Second Team. Kwan Wongsinth was named to the All-Freshman Team and Medy Thavong landed a spot on the All-Academic team.
Croux comes to KSU from Marietta Country Club where he serves as an assistant golf professional.
"I am ecstatic to announce the hiring of Eric as our next assistant coach for the women's golf program," Brinsmead said. "I have known Eric for many years and have enjoyed the time I've spent with him watching him develop players and instruct members at Marietta Country Club. Eric is a master club fitting specialist and knows first-hand what it takes to succeed in the professional golf ranks. Eric will play a very important role in developing our program and taking our players to the next level. We are so fortunate to have the relationship we do with Marietta Country Club and the staff and I'm very excited about the ongoing presence we will have there."
At Marietta Country Club, Croux he is responsible for all duties of golf operations while assisting with clinics, camps and lessons. He is responsible for planning, promoting and conduction of the club tournament program.
Prior to his time at Marietta Country Club, Croux was the outside service supervisor at Atlanta Athletic Club from 2010-2011. He was responsible for the daily operation of outside activity under the direction of the Director of Golf and worked closely with the Golf staff on all club related activities.
From 2008-2011, Croux served as a club fitting specialist for Cobra-Puma Golf. He set up and did fittings at golf facilities while providing a full understanding of equipment and how it benefits a player.
"I am excited to join the women's golf program at KSU," Croux said. "I have been watching it grow, and I'm looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to help take the program to the next level. I would like to thank Coach Brinsmead for giving me an opportunity to come to this first-class university."
A native of Trenton, New Jersey, Croux earned a specialized associates, professional golf management degree from Professional Golfers Career College in 2008 where he was the valedictorian of his class. Croux lives in Marietta, Ga.
