SARASOTA, Fla. - New College of Florida junior Tripp Watkins has been named the Sun Conference Men's Golfer of the Week for the first time in his NCF career following his performance at the Battle at Black Diamond.

Watkins finished fourth among 59 golfers at Black Diamond Ranch's Quarry Course in Lecanto, Florida. He posted a 1-under 215 across three rounds, making him the highest-finishing NAIA and Sun Conference golfer in the field.

The Lady Lake, Florida, native opened with a 1-under 71 and followed with a 3-under 69, NCF's lowest round of the tournament. He closed with a 75 to lead the Mighty Banyans to third place among 11 teams and the top finish by an NAIA program.

Watkins joined NCF this season after transferring from Lake-Sumter State College in Florida. He is the second Mighty Banyan to earn Sun Conference Men's Golfer of the Week honors following a performance at the Battle at Black Diamond. Avery Shahriari received the award after winning the inaugural tournament last season.

New College and Watkins have begun play at the Invite at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, Florida. The tournament continues through Tuesday.