The Valparaiso University men’s golf program has announced the addition of Mason Bonn (Sherwood, Ore. / Sherwood) to its incoming freshman class.

Bonn joins head coach Dave Gring’s team after a successful prep career that saw him finish as the medalist at seven high school events, including five of the six league events during his junior year. The three-year letter winner earned honorable mention all-league in 2016-17 before receiving first team all-league and Player of the Year recognition in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

“Our student-athletes are absolutely thrilled to have Mason as a member of our talented team, and he will provide an immediate impact starting this fall,” Gring said. “He comes to our program as one of the Top 5 ranked players in the state of Oregon for the 2020 class and his level of experience is exemplary. His 2019 summer season was excellent, playing a very competitive schedule and turning in some fabulous scores. Mason has a tremendous short game, excellent feel around the greens and his ball-striking is exceptional.”

The 2017-18 first team all-state honoree helped his team to the league title in 2018-19, the program’s first championship at the 6A level. Bonn, who plans to major in mechanical engineering, will continue Valpo’s tradition of academic excellence. He was one of his school’s Valedictorians, missed only one question on the SAT and was a two-year National Honor Society member.

“Mason is a terrific fit with the culture of our team when you consider his academics along with his success on the golf course,” Gring said. “He was the Valedictorian of his class and a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Mason is yet another sharp young man on our team who knows how to balance an aggressive practice and tournament schedule with his classroom responsibilities.”

In addition to his high school golf success, Bonn thrived on the junior circuit, where he had a competitive low round of 66 at the 2019 Centennial Junior Championship. He shot a 71-70-72 to finish fourth at the 2019 Oregon Junior Stroke Play and 75-68-71 to finish seventh at the 2019 Oregon Men’s Stroke Play. Bonn was also a member of Team Oregon in the 2019 Junior America’s Cup and Team Oregon 2 at the 2019 Hogan Cup. He qualified for the later-canceled 2020 U.S. Four-Ball Championship with a best-ball score of 64 and a 70 on his own ball.

Bonn hosts a charity golf tournament each year, the Sherwood DRIVE for MS, that has raised over $20,000 to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis.

“Mason has surrounded himself with an exceptional support system that has really helped him achieve his high school goals and desire to play Division I golf,” Gring said. “Whether it is his swing coach, high school coach or school teachers and advisors, he has a deep desire to win, inspires those around him and improves his team. His family provides tremendous encouragement to him, he’s extremely personable and a lot of fun to be around. We can’t wait to have him on campus and contribute to winning more tournaments and MVC Championships!"

Valpo’s strong group of returnees will be joined by a pair of newcomers for 2020-2021, as Alex Heck (Greenwood, Ind. / Center Grove) previously signed to join Valpo’s program.