Although academic work may stand in the way of playing sports, for junior Alec Culver he joined golf this year as a fourth seed on the team. Despite having sufferd a back injury previous to the golf season, Culver recovered in time to play. Besides golf, Culver did not play other sports this year but he played as a wide receiver for football during his sophomore year.
Culver was first introduced to golf when he was five because his dad, Robert Culver, encouraged him to play. Alec has now been playing golf for ten years. His passion for golf motivated him to join the FC’s golf team this year.
“I was introduced to golf by my dad when he exchanged me a plastic set of golf clubs when I learned to use a bathroom by myself when I was very little,” Culver said. “The set had a green plastic case and the clubs in the bag were inspiration for me to play.”
Culver believes that concentration is the toughest, yet the best part of his game. He looks forward to improving by focusing more on the good shots and taking out the bad shots. He often practices at driving ranges so he can enhance the distance as well as accuracy of the ball.
“I usually like to think about how I want to play and focus so that I can perform to the best of my ability,” Culver said. “I often go practice at River Park to improve my game to hit the ball better.”
According to Culver, his favorite part of going on a golf course used to be driving a golf cart rather than playing golf when he was young.
“I used to love going with my dad to the golf course and drive a golf cart as a young kid,” Culver said. “As I have grown up, playing well is more important than driving a golf cart, of course.”
Concentrating well on the golf course is part of Culver’s important assets to his game. However, he emphasizes that socializing with other golfers and enjoying the sport are also essential. Especially when he is off the golf season, Culver enjoys playing with his peers on weekends. He enjoys taking fun daring shots that he cannot do in an actual golf match. Culver especially prefers hitting the ball with the Happy Gilmore Swing from a golf movie.
“I love playing golf with my friends on the weekends because I do not have to worry about messing up a shot, unlike in a competition,” Culver said. “Communicating with others on the golf course improves relationships with others. I also like to take daring fun shots with my clubs and have bets with my friends.”
Teammates on the golf team enjoy playing the game with Culver especially during practices. Teammate Trevor Beal, ’15, enjoys the camaraderie he’s built with Culver.
“I like playing with Alec because we correspond together and we really have some fun on the course,” Beal said. “We sometimes make stupid shots and laugh but having fun is also part of this game.”
In addition to having fun on the golf course, Culver believes that golf has taught him life lessons. Just as in life, Culver’s game depends on controlling emotions. He admits that although some ball positions on the golf course may challenge him, he must remain commited and in control of his game. Especially during golf tournament situations, competing against different high schools, Culver struggles to stay confident with his shots.
“Anger never fixes a bad shot but focus and ability to walk away from the mistakes can be a solution to the majority of errors,” Culver said. “There is always another shot to make up for a past error, just like life.”
Culver is content with the golf season this year because of many memorable moments. He personally enjoyed team dinners at the coach’s house.
“I love the friendly atmosphere of our team and enjoy meals with my teammates as we talk and joke around,” Culver said. “I also have to thank coach for helping me improve my game. I really look forward to next season to work with coach.”
Golf coach Jeff Hopper praised Culver for his tranquility and attitude on the golf course. He especially respects Culver’s ability to control his temper out on the field.
“Alec always showed great attitude toward the game even when he is having a bad day on the course,” Hopper said. “I really appreciate his attitude because unlike many others, he can control his temper out on the field.”
Culver personally looks up to Tiger Woods because of his skills in golf. Woods is his favorite golfer on the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour.
“I really like Tiger Woods because he won many tournaments including majors,” Culver said. “He probably has the best game on the tour and I want to be at least half as good.”
Playing on the golf team as well as academics are crucial factors for his high school career. According to Culver, trying to make up for missed days at school is overwhelming sometimes.
“Golf sometimes requires me to miss classes but I try not to get too behind in my studies,” Culver said. “Education comes first and then sports.”
Culver plans to pursue college education after high school, encouraged by his parents. Due to his uncle’s influence he desires to become a graphic designer.
“I love math and engineering but I am not an English person and that is why I want to become a graphic designer,” Culver said. “My uncle inspired me to become a graphic designer because he’s showed me his cool projects many times.”
For more sports, read the May 15 article, Sophomore morphs into leader for baseball team.