Q: How did you first get into golf, and what made you stick with it?

A: I started when I was about seven years old. I [used] to play with my dad since it was a big sport for him. That carried on, and I wanted to start doing it more competitively. It was the only sport that truly resonated with me.

Q: What’s the toughest match you’ve ever played and why?

A: That’s a good question. I’d say it was definitely last year at our conference at Blackberry Oaks. We played 18 holes, and it was one of the roughest rounds I’ve ever had. It’s a very challenging course, and we had some tough opponents. But [at] the end of the day, you just have to walk away with your head up.

Q: Do you think other courses are challenging besides Blackberry?

A: I’d probably say Heritage Bluffs. In my opinion, it’s the second hardest course around here.

Q: Who has had the most influence on your golf journey?

A: Wow, okay. That’s a good one. I’ll probably say Gavin Baxa. He’s really shown me a lot. He’s gotten me more into golf by encouraging me to watch it more, learn about different golfers, and work on techniques to improve my game. Overall, he’s just taught me a lot.

Q: What other teammates do you look up to as well?

A: Definitely Jonah Powell. He helps me a lot, especially as a fellow left-handed golfer. He’s definitely been someone who’s helped me improve.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

A: I’d say trying to get back into the golf season. This has happened multiple times, especially during the summer when I’m working and busy outside of school. It’s hard to make golf a regular routine again, and you start to lose some of your skills. You just have to get back out on the course to rebuild them.

Q: How do you balance work, school, and golf?

A: It’s just a matter of prioritizing what you need to [do]. Right now, I only work weekends, so I have enough time to spend with my family and still enjoy golf.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish this season, both for yourself and the team?

A: Definitely want to shoot sub-50. That’s one big goal of mine, setting a new PR. For the team, I just want to make this my most fun and social season yet, especially since it’s my senior year.

Q: What do you think could be done to give golf more recognition in the world of sports?

A: That’s a great question. I think most people see golf as boring, mostly because they don’t enjoy watching it, which is fair. Honestly, I think it can be boring to watch, too. But things like Top Golf have made it more popular. I think introducing people to activities like that helps give golf more recognition and shows it can be fun.

Q: What would you say to people who want to join the golf team at South?

A: I’d say take your time with it, because it’s not an easy sport to play. Once you start meeting some of the guys on the team, it becomes really fun. You’re there to have fun, but also compete, so it’s a great experience.

Q: How has being on the varsity team changed the way you see yourself as an athlete?

A: Last year, I mostly played JV, but then I transitioned into varsity. Once you play with more experienced golfers, you start to feel more confident in yourself and your game. You also become more social with your teammates, which makes the experience even better.