Ron Acree (1987) - Hall of Fame - Murray State University Athletics

Ron Acree

Induction:
1987

Ron Acree – Golf, 1965-1968

Came to Murray State in 1964, already an acclaimed player throughout Kentucky.
He was the 1963 Kentucky high school golf champion and third—place finisher in 1964 out of Waggener High School in Louisville.
When Ron arrived at MSU, he was the eighth-ranked amateur in the Commonwealth.
As a freshman for Murray coach Buddy Hewitt, Acree displayed the cool head of a touring pro. He set a collegiate course record at Fort Campbell against Middle Tennessee and Austin Peay.
He was undefeated in dual matches in 1965.
At the OVC Championship at the golf course in Elizabethton, Tenn., Acree fired a 153 and was the medalist in leading Murray State to a second place showing.
His amazing 1965 season led him to be named OVC Golfer of the Year.
In 1966 as a sophomore, Acree led Murray State to a 5-1 dual match record.
He once again shined in the OVC Championship where he shot a 146 for a spot in third place.
In 1967 as a junior, Acree received his biggest honor when MSU hosted the NCAA College Division Golf Championships at Paxton Park Golf Course in Paducah, Ky.
He was the first round leader and placed sixth as the Racers posted a second place national finish.
Afterwards, Acree received an invitation to play in the NCAA University Division tournament where he played well enough to be named NCAA College Division All-American for 1967.
Acree closed his celebrated career in 1968, serving as team captain.
He earned team MVP honors and played in the NCAA College and University Division Championship where he placed sixth.
In 1970, he became MSU's first player to qualify to play on the PGA Tour.
At the time, the Louisville native joined other Kentuckians including Frank Beard, Bobby Nichols, Gay Brewer and Jim Ferriell to play on the PGA Tour.
In the 1969 PGA Qualifying Tournament, Acree placed eighth to earn his tour card with a total score of 294.
Acree played one season on the PGA Tour in 1970, appearing in six events and making one cut.
His low PGA Tour round was a 70 at the New Orleans Open in 1970 where he made the cut and placed 69th.