Banks Cozby to continue family legacy at Oklahoma

By Ken MacLeod

With the new roster limitations of nine making spots even more coveted at NCAA golf powers, it may have raised a few eyebrows around the state and junior golf world when Banks Cozby announced his commitment to Oklahoma last week prior to his junior season at Cascia Hall in Tulsa.

It probably shouldn’t have. OU coaches are known to be enamored with the potential of the 6-foot-2, 175-pound rising junior, who has improved rapidly the past two years and seems to have the desire, work ethic and will to grow into his potential.

Then, of course, there is the Cozby at OU tradition to consider, which has worked out pretty well in the past. His father, Southern Hills Country Club director of golf Cary Cozby, was a star at OU, as were his two brothers and Banks’ uncles Craig Cozby and Chance Cozby.

That’s a heavy legacy to follow but Banks has been enamored with the Sooners since childhood. And though he was talking with other programs including Oklahoma State, Texas Christian and Colorado and the recently restored University of Tulsa program had him in their sights, it was pretty much a no-brainer when OU coach Ryan Hybl made the offer on July 1.

“We had talked some and he had been out to watch me several times,” Banks said. “But we didn’t have any serious conversations about an offer until last Tuesday. He told me he wanted me to enjoy the recruiting process but know that he wanted me. It’s an incredible offer.”

Banks, who is currently 792 in the Junior Golf Rankings, has been working hard with coaches James Sieckmann and his partner and Wales native Matthew Tipper of Omaha on a plan that emphasizes continued fundamental development and long-range goals.

“The plan is not to be the best 16-year-old golfer in the country, it’s to be the best 21 or 22-year-old golfer,” Banks said. “I’ve really progressed on full swing mechanics and also have got a lot of help from physical trainer Clint Howard.”

Banks made it to the semifinals of the recent Oklahoma Golf Association Junior State Amateur before losing 2 up to eventual champion Grady Thompson. He has placed fourth and third in his two years in the high school state championship and altogether has won close to 30 junior events including South Central Section and U.S. Kids junior events. His biggest national accomplishments thus far include winning a Notah Begay Tournament regional qualifier, shooting 64 on the second day, and advancing to the ING Junior Worlds and the U.S. Junior Boys.

Proud father Cary Cozby said Banks was much like his dad in that he didn’t immediately gravitate to just golf but enjoyed football, basketball and baseball. When he decided to concentrate on golf, it was his decision and he committed fully.

“He works hard,” Cary said. “When I got out to Southern Hills after he lost in the semifinals of the Junior Amateur, he was already back there and out on the range grinding away. And he gets after it from a working out standpoint. His mother is up at 5 a.m. working out and Banks is wired the same way. “

Cary admitted it was a special thrill for him and the Cozby family to see Banks continuing the family legacy at OU.

“When he was offered, I said Oh my gosh this is exciting. For him to be able to go play his last two years knowing where he’s going to school and get to work on his game and for him to be recognized like this, it’s just pretty cool.”