UNF golfer eyes graduation and a spot on the PGA Tour

From an early age, University of North Florida senior Nick Gabrelcik dreamt of becoming a great golfer and dominating the sport. Since arriving at UNF in 2020, he has curated a list of accomplishments on the course that are second to none - unquestionably becoming one of the best student-athletes in the history of the UNF golf program. He's a four-time ASUN Golfer of the Year, a four-time All-ASUN first team selection, a four-time Division I PING All-American selection and the list goes on. Although he fared greatly on the course, he also prioritized his goal of earning a college degree. In August, the Trinity, Florida native will graduate with a bachelor's degree in sport management with a minor in business management.

Choosing Sports Management as a major
Gabrelcik says he chose to major in sport management because it was important to him to acquire knowledge about the professional business of sports and not solely rely upon his athletic achievements to land sports-related positions. He found that UNF's sport management program offered courses that were intriguing and complementary to his schedule as a student-athlete.

He says he especially enjoyed the sport management practicum course and learning sports data analytics from Dr. Wanyong Choi, associate professor in the UNF sport management program and director of the sport data analytics lab.

"He really opened our eyes about what goes into the sports world; there are other aspects that we had never heard of or learned about," said Gabrelcik. "His class was one of my favorite courses."

Choi says Gabrelcik showed great commitment in class.

"Nick always completed assigned work and showed a responsible attitude," he said.

Experiencing the real world as a professional golfer
While Gabrelcik says he is excited to finally graduate, he acknowledges that entering the real world beyond the comfort of the Osprey community is somewhat daunting.

"Going out into the real world is a little bit of an adjustment for me," he said.

As far as his golf game is concerned, he is well adjusted and poised to make an impact on the national stage. In May, Gabrelcik earned a fully exempt Korn Ferry Tour membership after finishing fifth in the PGA Tour University (PGA Tour U) Class of 2024 final rankings- positioning himself as the top-ranked player from a non-Power Five school.

Throughout the past year, Gabrelcik says it's been stressful at times navigating this new chapter in his life. He says earning a Korn Ferry card was a big weight off his shoulders.

"Having full status on the tour is really important to kick-start your career," he said. "I'm really happy that it all worked out."

He made his Korn Ferry Tour debut in early June at the BMX Charity Pro-Am in Greer, South Carolina making a 36-foot eagle putt on the 16thhole in the opening round.

Gabrelcik says he's having a great experience on the tour honing his skills and getting to know fellow golfers.

"The camaraderie is great, and I've made a bunch of great friends," said Gabrelcik. "I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."

Brotherly Love and a Coach's Guidance
Aside from making new friends, one of the main reasons his transition to the pro tour circuit has been going well is because he'sjoined by his older brother Donnie, who serves as his caddie. Donnie also joined the UNF golf coaching staff last year. Gabrelcik, who began playing golf at the age of eight following in Donnie's footsteps, says having his brother by his side throughout his senior year at UNF and on tour has been invaluable.

He says his early days learning from and competing against his brother has helped him tremendously throughout his golf journey, referring to his brother as "my best friend."

His brother's presence has also helped Gabrelcik strengthen his focus on his main goal - earning a PGA Tour card.

In addition to his brother's influence, Gabrelcik credits the leadership he has received from UNF Head Golf Coach Scott Schroeder for helping him succeed at the collegiate and pro level.

"He's had a really big impact on me," said Gabrelcik. "He helped me learn different aspects of the game; when and when not to be aggressive. That's where Coach Schroeder has helped me the most."

Schroeder applauds Gabrelcik for progressing in his approach to the game, while also consistently performing at a high level.

"Nick was an all gas and no brakes golfer when he got to UNF. I helped him to understand some risks are worth the reward," said Schroeder. "You have to play the long game and trust your talent."

Gabrelcik says he hopes the success he's had in UNF's golf program helps with future recruiting efforts.

"I want nothing but the best for the program in years to come," he said.

Remembering UNF
As he experiences a new chapter in his life, Gabrelcik says he will miss the friendships he's made at UNF and credits the support systems within its administration for making his college experience one to cherish.

He plans to make Jacksonville his home for the foreseeable future and looks forward to occasionally visiting the campus to chat with his fellow Ospreys.

"UNF is home to me," he said. "It's a part of my life forever."

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