T.J. Thompson. {Courtesy}
By: Matt Rothman
Marjory Stoneman Douglas star T.J. Thompson is officially committed to playing golf in college at the University of West Florida in Pensacola.
“I feel relieved that I know I’m going somewhere to play for a great program,” said Thompson. “It has always been a goal of mine to play collegiate golf. I know the percentage of high school students that play sports in college is low, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity.”
Thompson began playing golf with his family at a very young age. Unlike other sports, he could go out and practice anytime, did not have to wait for a coach, and could play for as long as he liked.
In high school, Thompson became one of the top golfers in Broward County, winning the District Championship this year after shooting a 68 (-2) at the Country Club of Springs — the course for his first hole-in-one when he was 14.
He had to play a two-hole playoff to clinch a team championship for the third time in his carer. Thompson also won the Junior Championship at Cypress Lake Golf Club in Fort Myers after shooting a 71 (-2) this summer.
After seeing the area and culture Coach Steve Fell built, he knew right away that he would want to play college golf at West Florida.
“I can’t wait to be a part of it,” he said. “I am excited to stay in the Sunshine State, where I can continue playing golf 365 days a year.”
Before he graduates, he will compete at Regionals on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the Boca Raton Golf and Racquet Club.
He knows there are still plenty of areas he can improve on before going to college.
“There is a quote that I am often reminded of from the great Ben Hogan, ‘The most important shot in golf is the next one.’ I try to use that mentality when I play, but that is much easier said than done.”
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