“Sam comes from a great family that is heavily involved in golf in Panama,” said Byrd. “He has grown up watching and competing against the Korn Ferry players in the Panama Open which will only help him in college. He has a ton of international experience playing in a variety of tournaments. The main thing I love about Sam is he knows how to win golf tournaments. Sam has won a ton of tournaments in his junior career, and I believe he will bring that same winning mindset and experience to our program.”
Duran joins the Tigers after solid performances this year. Duran is the No. 1 ranked junior golfer in Panama and a three-time Central American Junior Champion. He most recently made the cut at the 2024 Latin American Amateur Championship. Duran played in the 2023 Panama Championship Korn Ferry Tour event.
He finished tied for 10th at the AJGA Panama Junior. He took 27th at the Junior Orange Bowl International Championship, which included a first round 67. He has won his last four junior events in Panama.
He is currently Top 450 in the World Golf Amateur Rankings.
..