University of Tennessee Athletics
Brannen and Paisley Sign With Golf Team
November 11, 2004 | Men's Golf
Nov. 11, 2004
Head men's golf coach Jim Kelson announced the signing of James Brannen and Chris Paisley to letters of intent to play golf at Tennessee beginning in the fall of 2005.
"This year's recruiting class was pivotal to our program," Kelson said. "With seven seniors graduating we definitely needed to sign players who could successfully contribute as freshmen. James Brannen and Chris Paisley both possess the skills to help us immediately."
Brannen comes to Tennessee from Clarksville High School in Clarksville, Tenn. He was the 2003 Tennessee AAA high school state champion, as well as the Nashville Tennessean's Midstate Golfer of the Year. He has competed in the state tournament each year of high school, with other finishes being tied for seventh in 2001, tied for 12th in 2002 and tied for 11th in 2004.
He joins his brother John, who is currently a redshirt sophomore. Their father, Jim, Sr., played golf at Tennessee, making them the first family to have three men play golf for the Vols. It is the seventh family to have more than three members play for a men's team at Tennessee.
"James is an exceptionally talented player," Kelson said. "His desire, coupled with outstanding technique gives him a chance to be very successful."
Paisley, a native of Stocksfield, England, has established himself as one of the top goflers in Europe. Highlighting his resume is a tie for fifth at the English boys stroke play championship. He attended Prodhoe Community High School.
"Chris is a very solid, consistent player who possesses exceptional skills," Kelson said. "I have no doubt that Chris will make a positive impact on our team"
Brannen and Paisley will be looked to produce early in their careers. They will help to fill the void of seniors David Skinns, John Scott Rattan and Ross McGowan, who have been permanent fixtures in the starting line up.
"In short, we are delighted to sign these two young men," Kelson said. "Both come from terrific families and there is no question that they are the type of young men who we want representing our golf program here at the University of Tennessee."
