NORMAN, Okla.  Two members of the Methodist men's golf team have been announced by the Golf Coaches Association of America as finalists for the 2025 Division III Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year Award presented by Workday. Seniors Haden Ruby and Chase Walts are both among the five golfers in consideration for the prestigious honor.
 
Ruby and Walts were announced as All–Region team members on Sunday, and both were named to the USA South All–Conference First Team in April. Each also ranks in the top 10 nationally according to the Scoreboard powered by Clippd rankings, with Walts sitting at No. 2 and Ruby at No. 7.
 
Ruby has recorded four top–10 finishes through nine tournaments this season, including three finishes inside the top three. Claiming co–medalist honors at the Gate City Invitational in the fall and winning the Fred Kravetz Invitational in the spring, he sits tied with Walts for most wins on the team this season. Having competed in just seven tournaments prior to this season, Ruby has put together by far the best season–long performance of his collegiate career.
 
Walts was a co–medalist with Ruby at the Gate City Invitational, then took first place at the Tiger Invitational in March. In nine tournaments this season, he has finished inside the top 10 on seven occasions, including five finishes inside the top three. The two–time USA South Player of the Year has improved upon his spectacular 2023–2024 season, reaching new heights in 2024–2025.
 
The winner of the 2025 Division III Jack Nicklaus award will be announced by Nicklaus himself on Sunday, June 1 at his annual the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday press conference. This is the second year in a row in which the Monarchs have had two golfers among the five finalists for the national player of the year honor. Last season, Methodist's Cameron Cappuzzo and Cooper Hrabak were in consideration for the award.
 
The success of Walts and Ruby has largely contributed toward Methodist's No. 1 national team ranking. The Monarchs are competing at the NCAA Men's Golf Championship this week as they seek to win a second consecutive national title.