Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Men's Golf Team will begin their competitive spring season Friday, Feb. 7 at the Big Ten Match Play Championships in Palm Coast, Fla. Second year head coach Mark Hankins has brought in plenty of fresh faces this season with five new players seeing action in the fall season.
Junior Branden Meyer took no time to make an impact on this year's team being one of only two players to compete in every single fall tournament. Meyer finished second on the team in scoring average with a 75.58. Meyers best tournament score came at the Rod Meyers/Duke Invitational and the Prairie Club Invitational where he shot a 224 each time. He finished tied for 41st at the Rod Meyers/Duke Invitational and tied for 11th at the Prairie Club Invitational.
Why did you choose to come to Nebraska?
I was really impressed with the athletic infrastructure and the competitive schedule we play. It allows us to test our skills against some of the best teams in the country
What is your pre-tournament routine?
I like about a 60 minute warmup, usually starting with chipping and putting. I'll then go to the range and hit balls for about half an hour, then head back to the putting green right before I tee off.
Other than golf, what sports did you play growing up?
Football, baseball and basketball
Who or what got you into the game of golf?
My dad, he taught me the game at a very young age.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
As far as golf goes, Tiger Woods. He's the best golfer to walk the planet, and what separates him from the rest is his competitive drive and mental toughness, which are two essential keys to competing at the highest level.
Is there someone you mold you game after?
A few of my favorite players that I try to replicate are Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Justin Rose, Rory Mclroy, and Justin Thomas.
What has been your favorite moment during your time at Nebraska?
I've loved going on the road and competing. My favorite tournament that I played this fall was the Maridoe Intercollegiate. It was a lot of fun to test my skills on one of the hardest golf courses in the country.
What do you do in your free time?
There's not a lot of it because of my athletic commitments, but I enjoy hanging out with the team and watching sports.
What is your favorite course you have ever played?
Forest Highlands G.C in Flagstaff, Arizona.
If you could pick one course anywhere in the world to play, where would it be? Why?
Augusta National, it's hallowed ground for hardcore golfers and is extremely exclusive.
If you could pick one person to play a round of golf with, who would it be?
Tiger Woods
What would you say your strongest part of your game is?
My short game, it's always allowed me to be consistent.
What part of your game do you focus on the most?
I practice my short game the most.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on testing the waters of professional golf. If that doesn't work, I'll explore my options in the workforce as a finance major.
In what ways has Nebraska helped you grow as a person?
Nebraska has allowed me to continue developing my golf skills as well as allowing me to continue my education.
What do you hope to accomplish at Nebraska?
I hope to end my career here having a lasting impact on the golf program as well as succeed academically to set myself up for a career either in golf or finance.