Southern Illinoise University Athletics
11/12/2026 | 1:35:00 | Men's Golf
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois men's golf announced the signing of Nolan Eccles, a standout golfer from Peoria, Illinois.
Eccles joins the Salukis with an impressive junior golf resume. He won the 2025 IHSA Class 2A State Championship and earned First Team All-Conference honors in each year of high school.
In 2026, Eccles qualified for both the U.S. Junior Amateur and the Illinois Open. He is currently ranked No. 160 overall in the 2027 class and No. 3 in Illinois for the 2027 class according to the National Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings.
Eccles also holds the course record at Arrowhead Country Club after firing an 11-under 61. During the summer, he added three top-five finishes in AJGA events.
Head coach Justin Fetcho said Eccles brings both talent and a competitive mindset to the program.
"We are so excited to have Nolan join our Saluki family," Fetcho said. "Nolan is a very talented young man who brings a strong resume along with him."
Fetcho pointed to Eccles' success at the high school and junior levels as a sign of what he can bring to Southern Illinois.
"He has shown he can win and compete against the best junior golfers around the country by winning the Illinois High School State Championship and also with strong, consistent tournament play in AJGA events as well as qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur this summer," Fetcho said.
Fetcho also praised Eccles' development and approach to the game.
"His growth has been steady and consistent and he loves to compete and work on his game," Fetcho said. "I know he will bring a mindset and competitive nature that has been one of the staples of Saluki Golf through the years."
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