Birthplace: Fresno, CA
Residence: Fresno, CA
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185
Turned Professional: 2008

Senior Kevin Chappell made a par on the 18th hole to give UCLA a one-shot victory May 31, 2008 at the 111th NCAA Men's Golf Championship, hosted by Purdue at its Kampen Course in West Lafayette, Ind.

Chappell led the fourth-ranked Bruins to their first men's golf title since 1988. On Monday, June 2, 2008, he was named the Arnold Palmer Award recipient for winning the NCAA individual championship. He posted rounds of 69-73-68-76--286 (-2) and was the only golfer in the 156-player field to finish the tournament under par. He is the first UCLA golfer to win the NCAA individual title.

A day after winning the NCAA championship, he traveled to Columbus, OH, to receive the Jack Nicklaus Award, annually given to the best player in collegiate golf. He became the first UCLA golfer since Duffy Waldorf in 1985 to win player of the year honors.

In addition to the Arnold Palmer Award, Chappell also earned four other honors on June 2, 2008. The Golf Coaches Association announced its 2008 Division I All-America team and Chappell was named to the first team. He earned second team honors in 2007 and honorable mention acclaim in 2006.

Chappell was also named the National Amateur of the Month by the Southern Golf Association, one of America's oldest amateur clubs.

For the third time this season, the Pacific-10 Conference named Chappell its Golfer of the Month. He previously won this recognition in November and February. The Pac-10 also named Chappell its 2008 Golfer of the Year in April.

Finally, Chappell was named UCLA's Player of the Week for May 27-June 1. He had previously earned this honor in January.

Chappell ended the 2008 season 20-under par over 34 rounds and set a UCLA single season scoring record at 71.0. He won twice as a senior, raising his career victories total to five. In January, he set the UCLA 54-hole record of 15-under par when he won the PING/Arizona Intercollegiate with scores of 67-67-64--198.

Career Highlights

  • 2008 NCAA Individual Champion (1st ever UCLA player)
  • 2008 Palmer Cup Participant
  • 2008 1st Team All-American (3 time All-American)
  • 2008 Pac 10 Golfer of the Year
  • 2007 US / Japan Matches Participant