Ross Raines '20 Recruiting Profile

I have a strong love and passion for golf. I started playing at a very young age by going out to the course with my dad and granddad. However, I’ve played all sports. My parents feel that it’s important to be well-rounded and encouraged me to find what I was most passionate about. I started playing golf competitively at nine years old. On my very first hole in my very first NTPGA event, I made a hole-in-one!  

At the beginning of the summer before my 8th grade year, I shattered my elbow beyond the point of surgical repair. The doctors questioned whether I would ever regain the mobility to play golf again, but through hard work, rehabilitation, and pure determination, I was back to playing golf. 

My school is a small country school in West Texas. It’s so small that it didn’t have a golf program. After talking to the Athletic Director, Principal and Superintendent, I was able to convince them to start a golf team. After being the only player my freshman year, I was able to persuade some friends to play my sophomore year. We were able to make it to the Regional tournament as a team, and I advanced to State as an individual. I have a great love for golf and have worked hard to overcome obstacles. I know what it means to have to work hard to accomplish my goals, and I understand that being able to persevere when things don't go as planned will pay off. I also know I will continue to work hard and would be a valuable asset to your program.