Three Arkansas Tech men's golfers, Luke Hanson, Landon Lawson, and Jacob Peetoom, have been recognized as Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars for the 2025-26 academic year. The award, given by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA), honors student-athletes who excel both in academics and in competition. Hanson carries a 3.32 GPA in Business Management, Lawson boasts a 3.97 GPA in Business Data Analytics and a perfect 4.00 in his master's program, while Peetoom maintains a 3.93 GPA in Finance.

By the Numbers
  • Luke Hanson: 3.32 cumulative GPA
  • Landon Lawson: 3.97 undergraduate GPA, 4.00 master's GPA
  • Jacob Peetoom: 3.93 cumulative GPA
Yes, But

Despite their individual achievements, the recognition highlights broader concerns about the balance of academics and athletics in college sports, with some questioning if such honors sufficiently emphasize academic rigor compared to athletic performance.

State of Play
  • The Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars list includes athletes who must maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 and have strong performance metrics in their sport.
  • Recognition by the GCAA is a significant honor, reflecting the dual commitment of these athletes to their education and their sport.
What's Next

As the new academic year approaches, these scholars will continue to build their resumes, focusing on both their studies and golf, while influencing future student-athletes to meet similar standards of excellence.

Bottom Line

The achievements of Hanson, Lawson, and Peetoom exemplify the successful integration of academic excellence and athletic performance, setting a precedent for future athletes seeking to balance both worlds effectively.