On 22nd July 2015

Starkey heads to US College system

Glenelg's Will Starkey

Report by Will Starkey

In a little over two weeks time, on 6th August, I’ll be leaving everything I know and relocating to America to pursue my golf and education.

I will be studying a Sports Management Degree over four years at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to my studies, I will be participating in the men’s golf program. ORU is a NCAA Division 1 college, which means that we compete against the top colleges in the country throughout the year.

The men’s golf program for the 2015-16 season will consist of 11 student-athletes – one from Denmark, one from Canada, two from Australia (including myself) and seven Americans. Tournaments are split into the fall season (August to December) and spring season (January to May).  During the fall, our three tournaments are scheduled in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.  During the spring, we will be playing in California, Texas (twice), Washington, Arkansas and our home tournament in Oklahoma. Then we play in the Summit League Championship and possibly NCAA Regional Qualifying, then the NCAA National Championship depending on our performance throughout the year.

College tournaments are 36 or 54 holes, with the best four out of five scores from each round counting to the team accumulative score. Individual and team champions are crowned for each tournament.  Five players compete at each tournament, and selection is based on qualifying rounds in weeks prior to each tournament.

A typical day for me will look something like this:

  • 6am-7am gym
  • 9am-1pm classes
  • 2pm-7pm golf practice/qualifying
  • 8pm-10pm study

I will be back in Adelaide for three weeks over Christmas/New Year, however I am hoping to remain in the US to play the major amateur events throughout the summer holidays from June to August.

I’m very excited to be given this opportunity and can’t wait to head over there and get started. A massive thank you to the Glenelg Golf Club Foundation for the support I have received over the last five years during my time at the Club, allowing me access to coaching, interstate tournaments, junior trips and local events.  I am retaining my membership whilst in America and I look forward to keeping you all updated during my time over there!

Glenelg Golf Club FoundationAbout the Glenelg Golf Club Foundation

Through the Glenelg Golf Club Foundation, we have identified junior golf as one of our key areas of importance. As a result, the Club has focused on funding the ongoing development, training and promotion of junior golf with proceeds raised through the Foundation as a part of the Junior Golf & Elite Player Development project.

This results in an outstanding, fully funded Junior Development Program at Glenelg Golf Club.

Click here for more information on the Glenelg Golf Club Foundation.

Click here for more information on the Club’s Junior Development Program