Neil Metz

Neil Metz, Ph.D., is a Professor of Economics at the University of Central Oklahoma. His research focuses on urban, behavioral, and sports economics, particularly analyzing the economic impacts of local amenities, disamenities, and competitive environments. He has applied detailed PGA TOUR data to study behavioral economics in tournaments, earning recognition such as the Shotlink Intelligence Prize. His work bridges economic theory with real-world applications in sports, urban planning, and public policy.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Economics, University of Colorado
• M.A. in Economics, University of Colorado
• B.E. in Civil Engineering, Vanderbilt University

Research Interests: Dr. Metz explores how environmental factors (e.g., earthquakes, open space), social dynamics (peer effects, income inequality), and competitive pressures (tournament rankings, gambling) influence economic outcomes. His sports economics work has been featured on Golfweek and the Golf Channel, and he presented at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference.

Key Themes in Publications: His articles emphasize behavioral biases in high-stakes settings, spatial valuation of property, and the interplay between socioeconomic factors and crime rates. Recent work examines information diffusion in sports betting markets and market efficiency.

Awards:

• Shotlink Intelligence Prize (PGA TOUR)

Advising & Grants: While specific grants are not detailed, his extensive publication record reflects sustained research engagement. No named advisees are listed, but his work involves collaborative projects with co-authors like Daniel Hickman and Mariya Burdina.

Labs/Teams: No dedicated lab is mentioned, but his research leverages data partnerships with entities like the PGA TOUR and Shotlink.