WE ASKED WILL CAMPBELL A FEW QUESTIONS.
FORMER GPC JUNIOR ATHLETE, CURRENT METHODIST UNIVERSITY GOLF PLAYER.
Tell us about your GPC journey.
I came to GPC for my senior year of high school to try and take my golf game to the next level in hopes of playing in college. I enjoyed the personalized instruction and daily workouts. The only complaint I had was being homesick sometimes, I missed out on some fun aspects of senior year with my friends but I think that in order to chase something that’s important to you some, sacrifices are necessary.
What challenges have you faced as an athlete and/or person?
I have faced some off the course challenges in a number of areas. My mother passed away from leukemia when I was 13. This is something that will always be part of me. I try to strive to be the best I am and enjoy each day because I know that’s what she would have wanted.
What skills or knowledge did you acquire throughout your time at GPC?
I gained a lot of knowledge about how to train in the gym to improve your golf game and how to take care of yourself during a tournament week. Maintaining your body and energy can be difficult in college golf, so lots of the preparation at GPC helped me with that.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the way I treat other people. I think there’s lots of things more important than golf. Maintaining my relationship with my family and friends is more important to me than things that happen on the golf course.
What piece of advice do you have for current student-athletes at GPC?
My best advice for playing better golf would probably be to learn to play golf and not play golf swing. When I say this I mean that getting the ball into the hole is all that really matters and there’s a lot more to that than just the way you swing the club. Managing your golf game and keeping your head on straight during the round are things lots of people overlook that can immediately save shots
Who is the person (or people) in your corner that have supported you through your golf journey?
My family and friends. My dad taught me to play the game and I grew up playing with both my older brothers. They have supported me through thick and thin and I know I wouldn’t be who I am without them
What professional player do you look up to the most and why?
I have become a huge fan of Scotty Scheffler. I’ve heard him say in interviews a number of times how no matter how much it matters to him, at the end of the day it’s just golf and it does not define who he is as a person. I think lots of people get wrapped up in immediate success or failure and let golf rule the way they feel. Golf is hard. Things don’t always go the way you want, but you can always carry yourself the right way and do the right things. I think there’s a lot to learn from that.
Do you like an audience or do you perform better with little/no pressure?
Doesn’t really matter to me. I love to compete. Every time we tee it up at Methodist I feel like I am completing for something. Whether it’s a four ball with my friends or the conference or national championship. It’s fun to play in front of an audience and feel pressure, I enjoy that a lot. We do our best to simulate that as much as we can every time we play golf.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of playing golf?
Fishing. I think I like to fish every bit as much as I like playing golf. I love being out and nature. You can get lost in your own world. I fish whenever I get the chance.
What aspect of your game are you working on at the moment?
Short game. I am trying to learn to chip and pitch using the bounce of the club more. Playing on Bermuda grass here at Methodist was a struggle at times last year. I was hitting the ball as well as I ever have and putting well, but lost some of the confidence I had in my chipping which had always been a strength of mine. I am starting to feel like I have the ability to hit more kinds of shots around the green. It’s always a work in progress but I think it’s getting better
Do you carry anything/do anything for good luck before a tournament?
I try to get golf balls with the number 4. My mom said that was her lucky number, so I try to play them in tournaments. I’m not really the superstitious type, but I do feel better playing 4s.
What’s your favorite course to play?
There’s a few I really enjoy. I’ve been fortunate enough to play a lot of great courses. Tobacco Road is one of my favorites to play because I think it’s extremely fun. Another favorite is Eastward Ho where I did my first internship. The ocean views there are really tough to beat.
What is your favorite club and why?
For most of the last year it’s been my driver. I feel like when I’m driving it well I have the ability to almost never hit it out of play. Playing from the fairway just makes life a lot easier and makes me feel like I can attack instead of trying to grind out pars all day.
Who is your favorite person to play with?
Its hard to beat my foursome of friends at Methodist or a foursome with both my brothers and my dad. We can have fun and completive matches and share a lot of laughs.
If you could play with anyone, who would it be?
Probably Tiger. I think he’s the best ever. I’d love to hear what he’d have to say over the course of a round.
What are you looking forward to in the next few months?
In golf I’m hoping my team at Methodist can have a shot at repeating. It would be pretty special to be a part of a second national championship team. Outside of golf I’m looking forward to going home for the holidays. I miss my family and friends and my dog. I want to spend as much time outside as I can and experience as much of the world as I can.