When I started playing golf, I never imagined that my teammates would mean the world to me. Everyone believes that golf is an individual sport. In a way, it is, but when it comes down to it, it is a team sport. Throughout my time of playing high school and college golf, I found that my teammates quickly turned into family. They were there for me on and off of the course, and for that, I am so thankful.
If you have ever played a college sport, you know that you spend unhealthy amounts of time with your teammates. While they may get on your nerves at times, you would never trade them for anything. They are with you while you are practicing and while you are living your life day in and out. The majority of the time, you also live with your teammates or at least within close proximity to them. You get to see them at their best and their worst, but they also get to see that in you. You become so close that they know you better than you know yourself.
They know my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to my game, and they were more than willing to point that out to me. Whenever I was struggling, they were always there to help me and show me how to get out of my rut. We have all been in each others shoes and that helps us to understand the hardships that we are all facing. We have all complained to each other about the insane things that our coach has us do, and we feed off of each others rants. We understand the annoyances that come with being on a college sports team and we are able to stand together through that. We all have to go through the same things whether it is the drills or the 6:30 a.m. workouts.
My teammates stood by me while I went through my second shoulder surgery and they encouraged me throughout my recovery. They became family to me throughout the time I spent with them. Each and every one of my teammates changed my life in one way or another, and I couldn't imagine my college career being any other way. They are the ones that I spent my Tuesday and Thursday mornings with in the gym and the countless Friday afternoons on the course qualifying. They are the ones that were the first to hear the good and bad news in my life, and they were always ready to cheer me on.
While our time on the course is over, you all will always be my teammates. I can't wait to see what you all accomplish in your lives whether it be golf related or not. You all are not only my teammates, but you are also my family. Thank you for making my college career full of amazing friendships that will last a lifetime.
