BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Behind his stellar performance last week at No. 10 Florida’s victory in the East Lake Cup, Parker Bell was named the SEC Golfer of the Week, the league office announced Wednesday. 

The senior started the event off with team-best T2 finish at 2-under in stroke play, only one behind medalist honors. He followed by going undefeated in match play with his first win a 5&3 result vs. No. 9 Ole Miss. In the match, he went bogey-free and 6-under while only losing two holes. 

In the finals vs. No. 1 Virginia, Bell was paired against No. 1 ranked player in PGA TOUR U and No. 2 amateur, Ben James. Bell and James were both tied through seven holes before Bell won three straight holes (8-10) to quickly move 3-Up. The two halved 11 & 12 as Bell’s par on the 13th moved him 4-Up with five to play. However, James responded with consecutive victories on the 14th, 15th and 16th to trim the lead to one shot as he made four birdies in his last five holes. 

With 1-Up lead on the 17th, Bell was clutch making birdie to tie the hole after James chipped in for birdie. On the 18th, the two matched again with birdies as Bell held steady and drilled another clutch putt from distant to clinch the 1Up victory. 

After a challenging 2024 season with just five lineup appearances after being in the postseason lineup his sophomore season, Bell has shined this fall. The Tallahassee native entered East Lake Cup with recent fall finishes of T8-T12. 

Florida begins the spring season at the Sea Best Invitational at Atlantic Beach Country Club, an event Florida has won seven times and its last three straight outings. Following that, UF hosts the Gators Invitational from Feb. 14-15 at Mark Bostick Golf Course as the field will feature the last two National Champions in Oklahoma State and Auburn.