CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Former Chattanooga Mocs All-American golfer Stephan Jaeger (2009-12) is on his sport’s biggest stage next week after qualifying Friday for the Puerto Rico Open. He shot a 66 Friday to claim one of two spots among approximately 80 players on hand.

“It’s exciting,” Jaeger said. “I am playing well right now and will play for the win. I’m not here to enjoy the beach; I’m here to win to win.

“It’s been a good ride since getting to Chattanooga,” he continued. “I love the city and the golf. It’s a place that is very supportive, and I appreciate all Chattanooga has done to help me get to this opportunity.”

Jaeger won four times as a collegian, a Chattanooga school record. His final win came at the NCAA Bowling Green Regional as he led the Mocs to their first regional title. Jaeger holds virtually every school scoring record and is the most decorated golfer in UTC history.

“He did so much for our program,” said head coach Mark Guhne. “Jaeger deserves everything he gets because he is the hardest worker I’ve ever been around. Your most talented player is not always your hardest-working one, but he certainly was. We look forward to following him next week and throughout his career.”

Jaeger, a native of Munich, Germany, came to the Scenic City to prep at the Baylor School. He signed with UTC from there and the rest is history. He is the only three-time Southern Conference Golfer of the Year in league annals. He was a first team All-American in 2012, four-time All-SoCon and PING All-East Region performer. He helped lead the Mocs to SoCon championships in 2009 and 2012 and to the NCAA Championship in those seasons, as well.

The Puerto Rico Open is March 7-10 at Trump International Golf Club – Puerto Rico in Rio Grande. It is a 7,569-yard, par-72 tract. George McNeill won the 2012 event at 16-under par, topping Ryo Ishikawa by two and Boo Weekley and Henrik Stenson by three.