Yannik Wessel '19 Recruiting Profile

I started playing golf almost as soon as I could walk, at about two and a half years of age. From then on, it was my passion and has always had a higher priority than the other sports I have done.

Having had such an early start and due to my talent at such a young age, I started playing golf for the men’s team of the Golf Club in Ulm when I was only 13 years old, after having been playing in a youth club team for about five years. As a valued member of the men’s team despite being so young, I even received financial aid from my club in order to be able to participate in this year’s training camp. This monetary support is more than welcome, taking into consideration my circumstances: I am living with my mum and due to an illness, she has been suffering from for several years, she is already retired. As a result, our income is very limited, and while she supports me in any way she can in fulfilling my dream of studying in the US, substantial monetary support is not something she can offer. Therefore, I depend on the best financial aid program, so I won’t be a burden on her financially and can still follow my dream.

My experience with the Golf Club in Ulm has been very positive not only because they were able to offer me financial aid, but more importantly, because of the chance it has given me to develop as a player. While playing for the men’s team, I was the captain of the golf youth team of Ulm (and also the local soccer team) for several years. It is then I learned what it means to be a leader, to step up for my team in crucial moments, to never give up and to deliver my best. I perform best in those challenging situations, which is, in my opinion, one of my best qualities and what separates me from other players my age.

The mental strength necessary to be a good captain was also part of the basis for my development in the men’s team. Becoming a member of the men’s team at 13 meant that I had to deal with opponents up to three times my age, and it also required lots of stroke play of me. This helped me develop my game in terms of my physical skills, and it also allowed me to get my mental strength to another level compared to other players my age. These physical and mental qualities make me a great addition to any team, but it is my dream to play and compete in a team with players my age and work towards our common goals.

After graduating from high school, I decided to first gain some practical experience in the working world in order to get a better idea of my strengths, weaknesses and interests away from the golf course and to help me make a well-informed decision when it comes to my future field of studies and career. For example, I am currently working in a large mechanical engineering company for five months to gain an insight into economic sciences, like business administration, international management, controlling or business management. After my practical experience, I would like to continue my interests on a theoretical level in one of the best educational systems in the world, to later have the opportunity of getting great job in my chosen field.

As an ambitious and hard-working 19-year-old German golfer, it is one of my biggest dreams to combine studying and competing at the highest possible level in college. The USA are the perfect destination for me to get the best out of me in terms of a high-level education due to excellent teachers, as well as develop into a better golf player through a great coaching staff, excellent training facilities, and also, to develop as a person far away from my home and family in a place which has always interested me.