College Spotlight – Riley Born Heading to Chaminade to Play College Golf

College Spotlight – Riley Born Heading to Chaminade to Play College Golf

January 22, 2026 Brian Hurlburt Comments Off

Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association star Riley Born is yet another area junior golfer who has committed to play collegiate golf. Born committed to Chaminade in Hawaii and is ready to take it to the next level this spring.

“I’m thrilled to share that I’m committing to Chaminade University, proud to represent the Silverswords. Thank you to everyone who believed in me, my family, my friends, and especially Coach Jeff Gallagher for backing me and pushing me to this next level. Looking forward to this chapter in Hawaiʻi … I am ready to put in the work, chase bigger goals. Go Swords!⚔️ 🤙.

Born is eligible to play this Spring 2026 and practice is underway.

“The first thing I think of when I think about going to Chaminade is the peacefulness of the campus and all of Hawaiʻi,” Born said. “Being here really makes it easy to better yourself, not just as a golfer, but as a person. The environment keeps you stay grounded and helps you stay centered on your goals.”

Jeff Gallagher, Born’s instructor and former Tour professional who teaches out of Reflection Bay Golf Club, knows Born is up to the challenge.

“Riley is a great kid, fun to be around, and has a lot of talent,” said Gallagher. “He earned this opportunity the hard way and is ready. He has a lot of power, hits the ball far, and can hit it as well as a Tour professional. We have worked hard on a lot of areas, including course and game management, and understanding the game mentally. I look forward to watching his progress at Chaminade.”

Born attended Odyssey Charter School and played for Desert Oasis High School. His 2025 season included the following and he has also played in several Southern Nevada Golf Association events against some of the top amateur regardless of age.

  • Years w/ Varsity
  • 4 years
  • 2025 Varsity Team
  • Individual Awards
  • Captain, Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Conference
  • Team Awards
  • Conference 3rd Place, Medalist in two out of five conference matches.

Born loved his time playing in the SNJGA and the SNGA.

“What stands out most are the people, the connections and friendships I’ve made,” Born said. “I honestly wouldn’t be heading to Chaminade and getting this opportunity with golf if it weren’t for playing in their events. It’s pretty amazing how much it’s shaped my path in the sport.”

Chaminade is known for academics and athletics. Last season, the Chaminade University men’s golf team was recognized for academic excellence by receiving the PLATFORM Golf Team Academic Award by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). The Silverswords were one of 33 Division II institutions whose men’s golf teams had a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 during the 2024-25 academic year. The ‘Swords compiled a 3.26 GPA during the year. It is the sixth straight year – and 10th in the past 11 – that Chaminade earned the PLATFORM Golf Team Academic Award.