ORLANDO - UCF men’s golf head coach Bryce Wallor has announced the signings of three promising players across multiple continents to bolster the program’s ambition in the Big 12, with the trio of newcomers set to join the Knights ahead of the 2026-27 season.
With each future Knight boasting years of combined amateur and professional experience, Orlando will serve as their new base as they’re set to compete in one of the nation’s premier conferences.
The signing of this 2026 recruiting class will prove to be a very important decision in setting the trajectory that our program will take in the coming years. We believe that Zilin, Edouard, and Joshua are student-athletes who have the skills of academic success, the physical golf talent, and the burning desire to do the work necessary daily to continue to grow during their four years at UCF. It will be the blend and follow through on all these components that will decide if this recruiting class can return this program to national success.
Bryce WallorHead CoachBelow is a breakdown of each player who signed with the Black and Gold on National Signing Day:
Zilin Gao | Sanya, China
Gao joins UCF as an incoming freshman from Sanya Foreign Language School in Sanya, China. Currently ranked No. 557 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Gao has been one of China’s most consistent junior performers, earning 17 top-10 finishes over the last two years, including multiple wins on both national and international stages.
The Sanya native captured the AJGA Ping An Life Insurance Youth Classic title and has been a fixture atop leaderboards across Asia and North America. Known for his smooth iron play and poise under pressure, Gao also boasts top finishes in professional-amateur crossover events within the China LPGA Qualifying (CLPGQ) circuit.
Additional noteworthy performances for the future Knight include:
With an impressive record across Asia’s top junior events and a steadily rising world ranking, Gao becomes the latest addition to UCF’s growing global roster, further cementing the Knights as a destination for emerging golf talent around the world.
Edouard Philippe | Besançon, France
Philippe joins the Knights as an incoming freshman from Besançon, France, bringing with him an impressive amateur record and consistent top-tier performances across Europe.
Currently ranked No. 1,222 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Philippe has built a strong resume highlighted by six top-five finishes in 2025, including victories at the Grand Prix de Vichy and the Grand Prix de L’Isère.
Other notable results for the future Knight:
In addition to his national-level success, Philippe has also competed in several European Golf Association (EGA) events and has been a regular presence on the French amateur circuit, representing his regional team in interclub championships.
Joshua Stephens | Leeds, England
Stephens joins the Knights as an incoming freshman from Leeds, England, where he attended The Grammar School at Leeds and represented Moortown Golf Club, one of Yorkshire’s most historic venues. Currently ranked No. 2,048 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Stephens has consistently impressed across Europe’s top junior circuits with nine top-20 finishes and a victory at the IJGT WAGR International Event.
In 2024, Stephens advanced into the round of 32 in the R&A Boys Amateur. A year later, he advanced to the round of 16 in the same event, establishing himself as one of the top junior amateurs in Great Britain.
The Leeds native has earned recognition for his steady play in elite fields, including several R&A and England Golf championships. Stephens has also represented Yorkshire in regional team competitions and participated in the England Boys’ U18 Development Squad, demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level against international competition.
More standout moments for the future Knight:
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UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program, representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.