Ole Miss’ Thornberry Announces Decision to Go Pro

By Adam Brown
Sports Editor
adam.brown@hottytoddy.com

Ole Miss golfer Braden Thornberry has decided to forgo his senior season on the links to join the ranks of PGA professionals. Thornberry released a statement on Twitter Friday to Rebel Nation announcing his decision to go pro.

Braden Thornberry takes to the links across the pond. Photo by Joshua McCoy/Ole Miss Athletics
@olemisspix

“What a ride it has been! These past three and a half years have created memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. From the people, to the entire college experience, Ole Miss has helped prepare me for my future. And with that, I have now decided…

It’s time. It’s time for my dream to become reality. It’s time for me to pursue my dream of becoming one of the best professional golfers in the world,” he said in the letter. “Mentally, I am ready.”

During his tenure playing for the red and blue Thornberry won a national championship and became the winningest golfer in the program’s history. While at Ole Miss, the Olive Branch native took part in several PGA events along with the Web.com tour.

Thornberry said in a press conference Friday he is hoping to get his seven spots on the PGA Tour.

“That’s my goal but not a lock by any means,” he said. 

Ole Miss Men’s Golf coach Chris Malloy said he knows Thornberry wanted to stay and help his Rebel teammates win a national championship, but the PGA offered him an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. 

“He has done so much for our program, and we all can’t wait to watch the next stage of his career,” Malloy said. 

Thornberry hopes for his first event to be in late January in the Bahamas, he said.

“This definitely isn’t a goodbye,” Thornberry said. “I plan on living here as I begin my professional career, so it’s exciting to still have Oxford as a place to call home.”

To read Thornberry’s letter to Rebel Nation in its entirety, follow this link.