Two members of BJU’s golf teams were recognized last week during the NCCAA tournament and received an award for their academic achievement as well as for their athletic abilities.
Both Chloe Jefferson, a junior communication disorders major, and Tyler Smith, a senior business administration major, received the scholar-athlete award.
This award is given to students who maintain at least a 3.40 GPA and are classified as an upperclassman or as a graduate student.
Jefferson and Smith have been strong athletes for the Bruins golf teams, and their commitment to success both on and off the course seems to be a consistent representation of their teammates as well.
Smith said, “[Receiving the award] was a career goal that was finally acomplished.” Jefferson said, “It helps having coaches who know and value the impoctance of a liberal arts education.”
Members of the BJU golf teams keep up with a rigorous schedule of practices and exercises in addition to other academic responsibilities.
Team members typically play an 18-hole game three times a week.
Players also participate five days a week in Volt Athletics, a workout program sponsored by Gatorade.
This program is specifically designed to aid athletes in completing golf-focused workouts.
In addition to Volt Athletics, BJU golfers also do their own self-regulated individual practice and exercise on a daily basis.
Smith, captain of the men’s golf team, said these workout disciplines are extremely valuable for the golf teams.
He shared some of the goals the golf teams has.
“[We want] to glorify God through our attitudes on the course, be a witness to other players and enjoy the great game God has blessed us with,” he said.
The Bruins golf team is typically involved in five to six golf tournaments during the course of a season.
The team also participates in charity golf tournaments held by the Alumni Association and the BJU Scholarship Fund.
The golf teams’ involvement with the Alumni Association has been extremely valuable, and the team’s sport has given them a valuable platform for networking with alumni and keeping these former graduates up to date with university news and events.
The regular travel to country clubs around the country also allows the golf team to represent the University to business professionals nationwide.
Dr. Dennis Scott, coach for the golf teams, prioritizes the team’s spiritual growth by holding weekly team discipleship meetings.
At these meetings, the team fellowships and prays together, often discussing Bible verses that relate to the season’s theme.
Coach Scott said golf offers relational opportunities in a way that most other sports do not.
“A round of golf can last between four and five hours,” he said. “During that time, much conversation is had while walking between shots. Relationships are built and camaraderie is established, even among opponents.”
Scott also pointed out that golf is a unique sport in that it can span generations.
“In golf, a 60-year old person can still compete with a 20-year old college athlete who is in peak condition,” he said.
His desire as coach is to lead his team to victory when they compete, but ultimately, their goal is to give glory to God for their performance.
“We strive to give our best to the glory of God,” Scott said. “Sometimes that is good enough to win on the scoreboard. Other times we fall short of first place, but always seek to honor God with our efforts to pursue excellence and reach our full potential.”
