Eli Wickham '24 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing golf since I was 8 years old when my family first brought me to a driving range and I instantly fell in love with the sport. I started taking lessons and attending clinics at local courses, and around 12 years old, I  I decided I wanted to try out for my high school team as soon as I could. I was fortunate enough to make the varsity team as a freshman and my record for that season was 5-2 (the season was reduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic). By the time it came to my sophomore year I ended up going from rank 7 as a freshman to becoming a starter at rank 4 and I recently finished my junior varsity year at rank 3.  I am currently the varsity team captain, alternating play at the number 1 and 2 spots.

Each season, I have been able to watch myself grow ability-wise as well as pushing myself to keep my rank, challenge myself every day at practice, and continue to develop leadership skills with the goal of becoming team captain my senior year. I want to make sure that all players are able to enjoy the sport as much as I do. 

I have also been competing through various organizations over the past year, exposing myself to the mental game at a higher level of play.  I have also noticed that with the higher ranked (national) athletes, it motivated me to become better in every area of the game, especially as I prepare for the college level of play. 

During the season, whether I win or I lose I always find mistakes in my game that I start working on the day after. 

I am currently receiving lessons from PGA certified instructor, and have been receiving private lessons since 2017.

If I'm not on the course, I'm working at the course (part-time employee at Winthrop Golf Course since 2020)

Golf is the one part of my life that no matter the conditions, no matter the time of day, I want to be there. I want to be playing, learning and observing to better my game.  Regardless of whatever else may be going on, being out there, on the greens, makes me happy. It truly relaxes me, and is where I feel I truly belong.

Along with my academic goals, I want to play golf at the college level.  I know that whatever school I commit to, I will give them 100%, every day and every moment.  I will do whatever is needed to make my teammates, coaches, school, and myself proud.  

I know that golf is something I can carry with me for the rest of my life, and someday, something I can pass down to my children.  I want to continue to improve my game and confidence, and I am willing to listen, take it in, and adapt to meet any and all challenges that are thrown in front of me.