By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Golf program has added two standout local products to its 2026–27 recruiting class, as Brandon Valley teammates Carter Peterson and Will Peterson have officially signed to continue their academic and athletic careers with the Cougars.
Both lifelong Lynx golfers and multi-year letter-winners, Carter and Will helped elevate Brandon Valley into one of the strongest high school programs in South Dakota. The pair brings proven consistency, high-level state tournament experience, and strong academic résumés to a USF squad continuing to build depth and talent under Head Coach Wade Merry.
"I am so happy that Carter and Will have decided to attend USF and play golf for us next fall," said Merry. "They both played integral roles in helping Brandon Valley High School become one of the top teams in South Dakota. It is a point of emphasis that we get the best local kids to come and join our family at USF. These two come from great families and are quality young men who fit perfectly into what I am wanting our program to be. And that is, great students, great golfers and wonderful ambassadors for the university."
Carter Peterson – Sioux Falls, S.D. | Brandon Valley High School
Peterson joins the Cougars following a decorated high school career marked by reliability, steady improvement, and strong team success. A four-year letter-winner for the Lynx, Carter maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while competing at the highest level of South Dakota high school golf and will continue his studies in Business Finance at USF.
On the course, Peterson posted a career scoring average of 76.8 and proved himself in championship competition with a tie for 23rd place at the 2024 SDHSAA Class AA State Tournament as a junior and a tie for 62nd at the 2025 State Tournament as a senior. He was instrumental in helping Brandon Valley place 4th in 2024 and 5th in 2025 as a team.
The son of Cory and Lauren Peterson, Carter remained a consistent contributor in one of the state's deepest high school golf lineups and now brings his academic excellence and competitive focus to the collegiate level.
Will Peterson – Brandon, S.D. | Brandon Valley High School
A team captain and key leader for the Lynx, Peterson arrives at USF with a strong competitive résumé and proven postseason performances. The four-year letter-winner maintained a 3.85 GPA throughout his high school career and is interested in pursuing Math and Statistics at the collegiate level.
Will has been a consistent top-tier player in South Dakota's high school golf scene, posting a career scoring average of 78 while delivering his best performances on the biggest stages. He tied for 14th at the 2024 State AA Tournament as a junior before improving to a tie for 9th at the 2025 State Tournament in his senior season. His leadership and steady play helped BVHS finish 4th in 2024 and 5th in 2025 as a team.
The son of Adam and Becky Peterson, Will brings leadership and competitive experience to the Cougars' lineup.
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