Three Generations of Excellence: The Summerhays Family Celebrates Triple Graduation
The Summerhays family just added another remarkable chapter to their golf dynasty with a triple graduation from Arizona State University. Preston and Grace Summerhays, standout golfers for the Sun Devils, received their communications degrees alongside their mother Barbara Jean, who earned her master’s in liberal studies with a focus on religious studies.
For golf insiders, the Summerhays name carries significant weight. Bruce Summerhays, the family patriarch, built his reputation on the PGA Tour Champions. His nephew Boyd, a former Tour pro himself, has become one of golf’s elite instructors, notably coaching Tony Finau while simultaneously developing his own children into collegiate stars.
Preston, a U.S. Junior Amateur champion who’s competed in the U.S. Open, is now preparing to turn pro. Grace, named the 2025 Big 12 Women’s Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year, wrapped up one of the most decorated careers in ASU women’s golf history.
But this graduation story isn’t just about the kids. It’s about Barbara Jean.
After 18 years away from academia, she decided it was time to pursue her own educational dreams while continuing to be the family’s emotional anchor.
“You’re never too old to go back and chase a dream,” she said.
The role reversal wasn’t lost on anyone. After years of Barbara Jean supporting her children’s ambitions, they became her biggest cheerleaders.
“To see them cheer me on was really cool,” she said.
Despite their packed schedules, the family found ways to connect on campus. Barbara Jean would drop by Preston’s place just to check in. Preston, who started at ASU a semester before his sister, found comfort in having family nearby.
“Even though I was close to home, it was actually a little bit hard, just being with my family all the time and then being away,” Preston said. “So having Grace join a semester later and seeing her at The Bird every day, getting to practice with her, it made my college experience a lot better.”
Having Mom join them as a fellow student made it even more special.
Boyd, Barbara Jean’s high school sweetheart and now husband, couldn’t contain his pride watching his wife and two oldest children graduate together.
“We met in high school, and obviously she’s beautiful, but one of the things that really attracted me to her was that she was a great student; I loved that. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was smart, too,” Boyd said.
Their partnership, built on both love and learning, has been the foundation of the family’s success.
“Even though I coach our kids, they can’t function without Mom,” he added.
Barbara Jean has always emphasized education alongside athletics, pushing her children to excel in both arenas. Now, she’s led by example.
“It’s an incredible accomplishment for all three of them, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Boyd said.
Grace summed up the shared milestone: “It’s been special. It’s weird that we’re already here, but being able to graduate with them has been such a cool experience. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”
Both Grace and Preston competed one final time for ASU at the NCAA Division I Golf Championships at Omni La Costa in Carlsbad, California, closing their collegiate careers with purpose.
But this isn’t the end of the Summerhays story. With Preston’s professional debut approaching, the family continues to build their legacy—one swing and one degree at a time.
