Conor Handley '20 Recruiting Profile

I was born into a golf family and was introduced to the game when I was 2 years old. I absolutely love the game, the history and competing in local and State tournaments. Currently, I am the Captain of my high school team (Seton Hall Prep) and a 2 time Conference player in 2018 and 2019.  Finished 2nd in the NJPGA Junior Deer Run Championship in 2018 and am a 2 time defending Junior Club Champion at Essex Fells CC.   In 2019, qualified for the NYC amateur championship and the NJ Junior Championship.   I play everyday in the Spring and Summer and have learned how to compete at a very high level and be a respectful gentleman both on and off the course.

I overcame a major obstacle this year which has made me mentally tougher and also kept me off the recruiting radar as I was unable to play a full golf schedule. In April 2019, I was diagnosed with Cancer in my left calf muscle ( a sarcoma) which was devastating news, however the prognosis was very good. I underwent 7 cycles of chemotherapy and 5 weeks of radiation and had successful surgery to remove the tumor. I have been in remission since October and am rehabbing my leg back to full strength. During this difficult time in my life, the doctors said that I would probably not be able to play golf this Summer, however as I lay there in my hospital bed, I refused to let these treatments define me. I treated a very bad situation as I would getting off to a bad start in a golf tournament - keep your head up and just keep grinding as hard as I could. After treatments (when I was released from hospital), I was out on the golf course, doing what I love the most - practicing and getting ready for tournaments. Golf was a great outlet for me and reaffirmed my great desire of playing golf at the highest level and being a great motivator and leader on a college team. When I was approximately 80% healthy this Summer, I played in several one day State level tournaments and was very competitive. My scores:

• NYC amateur qualifier at Silver Lake GC - shot 74
• NJ Junior Championship - shot 74
• NJ State Open (Professional event) - shot 76
• Won my Junior Club Championship for the 2^nd consecutive year

Overcoming Cancer has changed my whole perspective on life and I feel like I can tackle any obstacle, both on and off the golf course - my GPA this Fall trimester was a 4.14 - 1st class honors.

This is what I will bring to your golf program:

• An athlete who will practice more than any player on your team.
• Someone who will lead by example and motivate my coach and players.
• A highly ethical person, who respects the history of the game and will conduct myself impeccably, both on and off the golf course.