Nathan Brown does not have to look far to find motivation on the golf course. As a member of the Union High School varsity golf team, the Redhawks junior draws daily inspiration from his grandfather, who is battling cancer.
“My grandpa inspires me through his battle with cancer,” Brown said. “The more effort you put into something the better the outcome,” he added, repeating the best advice he has received and words he tries to apply to every practice and round.
That mindset shows up most in his short game, where Brown has built a reputation as one of Union’s steadiest players around the greens. “The best part of my game right now is probably my short game,” he said. “The putter is my best club; putting is my strong suit.”
Brown said the Union team is at its best when players keep the mood light during tournaments and long practice days. “We have a great time we have together as teammates,” he said, noting that the camaraderie helps ease the pressure that comes with high school competition.
In the classroom, Brown jokes that golf is his favorite subject, but he is quick to credit a teacher who has made an impact away from the course. “Golf is my favorite subject in school, but Mr. Thompson, my 10th grade history teacher, is my favorite teacher in school,” he said.
When he does get rare downtime, Brown said he tries to keep things simple. “I enjoy playing golf and video games when I have some free time,” he said. Even on the course, his thoughts tend to bounce between competition and the little rewards waiting when the round is over. “What I think about on the course can change,” Brown said. “I’m usually thinking about where I’m going to eat after or making the ball go in the hole.”
