Golf isn’t just a game for Poteau High School’s Garrison Whitworth—it’s been part of his life since before he could even spell birdie. “I started golf probably when I was around three,” he said. 

There’s no question where Garrison’s love for the game came from. “I would say my dad really inspired me and got me into the game of golf,” he said. “My influences are definitely my parents.”

While golf is often an individual sport, Garrison values the dynamic he has with his teammates. “The team’s chemistry is very good,” he shared. “We all get along pretty well and it’s pretty fun to play with them.”

As one of the team’s leaders, Garrison has a clear role to play. “I would say my role on the team is to play the best I can and to put up a really good score so that my teammates can go off that,” he said. “I prepare for it by practicing as much as possible in between tournaments so I will be ready for that day.”

His goals for the season are a mix of team success and personal growth. “I think the team’s goals for this season is to make state,” he said. “But honestly my goal is to pretty much take one tournament at a time and not look too much in the future. Always have things to improve on and I feel like I will before that time comes. My goal overall this year is to win state.”

His training approach is simple: “A typical week of training really is just be on the golf course as much as I can. Make as many contacts as possible to the golf ball before the tournament.”

And through all the ups and downs, Garrison’s commitment remains. “I would say I’m most proud of putting everything I have into the sports I play,” he said. “I hate playing a basketball game or a golf tournament unprepared.”

Garrison’s future is focused and faithful. “I hopefully see myself playing college golf somewhere…and following the Bible in everything I do. I’m a dedicated Christian,” he said.