The Back Nine with Gamecock Freshman Ben Dietrich

March 7, 2014

Throughout the spring, Gamecocksonline.com will catch up with each member of the men’s golf team for a feature called The Back Nine, focusing on nine golf-related questions. This week we are featuring freshman Ben Dietrich.

When did you first start playing golf and what drew you to the game?
I started the game of golf around the age of 10. It was a great way to spend time with the family. This is the main reason I picked up golf.

Who is your favorite professional golfer?
My favorite modern day golfer is Luke Donald. His short game is unreal along with his hard work ethic.

What is your favorite golf course that you’ve played?
My favorite golf course that I’ve played would be Secession. The course and its setting are spectacular. Also the atmosphere of the golf club itself is very unique.

What is your favorite golf memory?
My favorite golf memory would be winning the AJGA at Savannah Quarters my junior year of high school. This was my first big tournament win, and I won it in a sudden death playoff. The fact that my parents and coach were there made it a special win.

What is the most memorable competition moment of your career?
My finishing stretch of holes from the AJGA at Savannah Quarters would be the most memorable competition moment for me. I was 3 back with 5 to play. I birdied 3 holes coming in to force a playoff, which I eventually won.

Who has influenced you most in your golf career?
My mom has definitely been the biggest influence on my golf game. I can’t count how many tournaments and lessons she sat through. She has been there in the good and the bad for sure.

What are you most known for in golf/your strong suit?
I am most known for getting the ball in the hole. I don’t have one particular area where I am strong. I just have the fighting ability to get the ball in the hole when I need to.

What is your dream foursome and what golf course would you play?
My dream foursome would consist of Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Ronald Reagan. I admire Bobby Jones and Jack Nicklaus for how they shaped the game of golf. Ronald Reagan would be my fourth because he was such a revolutionary president.

What’s in your golf bag?
Titleist 913 Driver
Titleist 913 fairway wood
Titleist 712 Irons 2-p
Titleist sm4 wedges
Scotty Cameron Newport 2