Manown had successful freshman season

Kirby Manown was pleased with his decision to play in the 2014 Fayette County Open and played well enough to finish in a tie for 10th place with a four-round total of 19-over 303.
A graduate from Belle Vernon in 2013, Manown had a pretty successful freshman year in college as a member of the Owens Community College golf squad that finished fifth in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Tournament.
Manown played in the national tournament, shooting 83 in the first round and 88 in the final round. His 83 was counted in the team total when a teammate was disqualified for signing a wrong scorecard.
Manown’s best round was a medalist total of 72 last October at the Cincinnati State Fall Invitational.
How does someone from Belle Vernon end up in a community college in Findlay, Ohio?
“I was playing in an AJGA tournament in Las Vegas and was at the airport when (OCC coach) Josh Williams called. He offered me a free ride and asked me to come out for a visit,” explained Manown.
Manown maintains he made the correct decision.
“It was such a good fit for me. It eased me into college,” said Manown. “Going to a small school made it better. The small class size made the transition easier.”
The transition was smoother on the golf course, too.
“We played such a good schedule. It eased me into college golf. We had two Europeans on the team. It was one of the best programs, even for an NCAA school,” said Manown. “I played in 10 events, alternating between third and fourth man.”
Manown decided to move closer to home for his sophomore year, enrolling in California University of Pa.’s Professional Golf Management program.
“Cal has such a good program. Cal is building such a great program and I want to be a part of it,” said Manown, who is leaning to the merchandising side of the program. “I want to stay involved in the game.”