The Wonders of Golf by Andrew

The Wonders of Golf by Andrew - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

Entering high school was somewhat intimidating. I had friends from my middle school that were also going to the same high school I was, but there were also many other students whom I did not know that were also going to go to that high school. I struggled with making new friends and decided to try out for the high school golf team in order to meet new people. I had some experience playing in various junior golf tournaments while I was in middle school, however I had never actually played golf on a team.

When I showed up on the first day of tryouts I was very nervous. I could tell that everyone else was nervous as well because of the way that they behaved. None of the boys trying out talked much on the first day of tryouts, and it was quiet on the second day as well. The first day the coach evaluated us on the driving range, the chipping green, and the putting green. On the second day we played nine holes of golf. I didn’t play my best round of golf, but I chipped in from from a sand bunker on the third hole for a birdie when the coach was watching, which was the highlight of my round. After we finished the coach told us he would review everyones’ scores and he told us to stop by his classroom at the end of the week so he could tell us whether or not we made the team. When I went to talk to him at the end of the week I was just as nervous as I was during tryouts. He told me to sit down and he talked about the different variables he took into consideration when making his decision. Then, finally, he smiled and told me that I had made the team! I felt like a weight had been lifted off of me and was extremely relieved. I stood up, shook his hand, then walked out of the room feeing a sense of accomplishment.

The next day at practice there was a different atmosphere than there was during tryouts. Everyone seemed much more friendly and welcoming. I introduced myself to everyone and learned all of their names. We became good friends and had a successful golf season, qualifying for the state tournament and finishing about the middle of the pack. After becoming friends with the other golfers I found it easier to make friends with other students in my classes.

I am now a senior in high school and have played on the high school golf team all four years. I have made many friends and learned a lot about teamwork and the amount of hard work, dedication, and commitment that it takes to succeed not only in sports, but also in the classroom. I am glad that I decided to play golf in high school and was fortunate enough to receive an athletic scholarship to play golf in college as well as an academic scholarship. I look forward to continue golfing and my education next year in college and will take all the skills I have learned with me to help build a successful future for myself and to have a positive effect on other peoples’ lives as well.