As the ball glides across the green, junior Connor Hardaway holds his breath and watches the putt drop into the hole. He drops his putter and pumps his fist through the air as he celebrates. The crucial moment brings him one step closer to qualifying for regionals and continuing to play with the friends he’s met while playing golf.
“Playing golf at Legacy has shaped my high school experience,” Hardaway said. “Without the experience I have had on this golf team, I would be nowhere near where I am or who I am today.”
Hardaway started playing golf in seventh grade after trying to find a new sport to play.
“I already knew the sport since my dad and brother had already been playing for a bit, and I would usually tag along with them,” Hardaway said.
In August, Hardaway traveled with the golf team to Scottsdale, Ariz. to compete in a large tournament with teams from around the world.
“My favorite part about being on the team is definitely going to travel tournaments,” Hardaway said. “Despite not playing that well, we still had a blast and enjoyed everything Coach Word put together for us.”
Junior Eli Parker plays alongside Hardaway on the golf team. They have played together since middle school and have grown in their golf game together.
“Playing alongside Connor is super fun. It’s cool watching him play the game and how he is able to work the golf ball,” Parker said, “One thing that makes him stand out is his dedication and his drive to be better and overcome.”
Hardaway constantly works to be a better golfer but still finds time to balance school and golf.
“I am able to balance schoolwork and sports by getting my work done as soon as possible, even if this means taking off practice time,” Hardaway said. “Coach Word is super flexible and will understand if we ever get busy or behind on work.”
Hardaway practices in many ways, whether it is on the course, driving range, putting green, or even on his couch watching his favorite professional golfers compete in the PGA.
“I look up to Anthony Kim. He is a great representation that your past doesn’t define your future,” Hardaway said. “In his career, he has shared his faith in our lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And the way he holds himself during tough situations inspires me to be more like him whenever I am stuck.”
Hardaway continues to compete and practice to improve his game, even though he’s already become very successful since starting golf.
“Some advice I would give to younger students who are trying to play competitively would be to put in the work and you will see results, follow your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t,” Hardaway said.
