The Back Nine with Gamecock Junior Caleb Sturgeon

April 23, 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 junior Caleb Sturgeon.

When did you first start playing golf and what drew you to the game?
I started playing golf when I was about 3 years old. My Granddaddy would take me to the golf course for hours at a time. I fell in love with the game. As I continued to grow my love for the game only grew stronger. I started playing completive golf when I was about 8 years old and I had so much fun it was almost a relief.

Who is your favorite professional golfer?
I have always grown up a Tiger Woods fan. Ever since I can remember watching golf I was pulling for Tiger Woods to play great. He inspires me to be a better golfer and chase my dream, as he is the best player in the world. I want to be able to play the game at the level he does and I believe that watching him and admiring will help me achieve my goals.

What is your favorite golf course that you’ve played?
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in Charleston S.C., is my favorite golf course that I have ever played. The feeling of playing in a golf tournament at the same place a Major Championship was played is very exciting. The golf course is very nice and also in great shape.

What is your favorite golf memory?
My favorite golf memory would be when I was leading the State Amateur at age 15. I was the youngest player in the field leading the major tournament of Amateur golf in South Carolina. It was also at my home golf course Musgrove Mill. I will never forget that week because it was the first state amateur that I ever played in.

What is the most memorable competition moment of your career?
Beating Will Murphy when I was 8 years old in the Cheraw Fall Challenge. It was my very first competitive tournament that I played in, which leads to the first victory that I ever had. It was also memorable because I met one of my good friends/teammates that day. I beat him in a one-hole playoff and I will never forget that day because of how we ended up being college teammates.

Who has influenced you most in your golf career?
My Granddaddy was very influential in my younger years. He would always pick me up if I had a bad day and would always be willing to help me improve my game. He passed away a few years ago, and I still try to do some of the same things he taught me from his support. I would also say that coach McDonald has influenced me in the past few years, as he has been very helpful in improving my game.

What are you most known for in golf/your strong suit?
I would say that my ball striking with both my irons and driver are my strong suit. I have hit many of balls in the past and have worked hard to keep my ball striking consistent.

What is your dream foursome and what golf course would you play?
My dream foursome would consist of Tiger Woods, my Granddaddy and Jack Nicklaus. I would want to play with the greatest players to ever play the game of golf and I would also want to be able to play the round of my life with the man that introduced me to the game of golf. I would play this round at Augusta National because it is the nicest course in the world.

What’s in your bag?
Titleist 913 D3 Driver (11. 25 degrees)
Titleist 906F 3 wood (15 degrees)
Cleveland Launcher Seven Wood (22 degrees)
Titleist 712 Mb Irons
Titleist SM5 Wedges
Scotty Cameron Newport Putter
Titleist PROV1 Ball