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.
One of those new faces is Caleb Badura. Badura is a sophomore from Aurora, Neb. and played in three out of the four tournaments in the fall. Badura ended the fall fifth among Huskers in scoring average with a 77.44. Badua's best finish came at the Prairie Club Invitational where he tied for 37th with a 235. Badura's best three-round score came in his first ever Division 1 tournament at the Rod Meyers/Duke Invitational where he fired a 226 (+10). Badura came to Nebraska after one year at Northwestern (Iowa) College where he was the Great Plains Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
Why did you choose to come to Nebraska?
Growing up in Nebraska and living not too far from Lincoln, playing golf for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has always been a dream of mine, and it was one of my motivating factors throughout high school. When I finally received the offer this past summer, it was a dream come true and something I couldn't pass up.
What is your pre-tournament routine?
On the day of a tournament round, I will usually arrive to the course an hour before my tee time and start on the practice green. Working on speed and longer putts is what I focus on until I go to the range where I hit a lot of wedges to get warmed up. I then work through my bag, while only hitting odd numbered clubs, which is sort of a superstition I've adopted the past few years. After the range, I go to the chipping green and hit a few pitches before returning to the putting green to hit a few more shorter putts.
Other than golf, what sports did you play growing up?
I played almost every sport available to me in elementary/middle school, but in high school I played basketball for one year, ran cross country for two years, and golf all four years.
Who or what got you into the game of golf?
My parents would take me out with them in the cart when they would go golfing when I was 3 or 4 years old, and I've been hooked ever since.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My parents are my biggest role models. Their hard work and faith throughout their lives is inspiring and has helped to provide for the family and create opportunities for me and my sister. They aren't afraid to take risks and step out of their comfort zones, which is something I admire and strive for.
Is there someone you mold you game after?
From the mental side of the game, I've always looked up to Tiger Woods. The self-belief he has in himself and his game is something I've always looked up to and tried to apply to myself and my game. I also admire how he is able to completely zone in and put 100% into every single shot.
What has been your favorite moment during your time at Nebraska?
Qualifying for the first tournament of the year and being able to play the historic Duke University Golf Club was such a great experience.
What do you do in your free time?
I love watching sports, working out, playing golf and basketball, hanging out with friends and family, and watching Netflix.
What is your favorite course you have ever played?
Sand Hills Golf Club
If you could pick one course anywhere in the world to play, where would it be? Why?
Augusta National Golf Club. The Masters is my favorite tournament and week of the year and I think that would be an unbelievable experience to even see it in person.
If you could pick one person to play a round of golf with, who would it be?
Arnold Palmer. The stories he could tell would be unbelievable.
What would you say your strongest part of your game is?
Putting and iron play.
What part of your game do you focus on the most?
Putting. I love practicing putting.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am a Sports Media and Communications major, so I would be interested in working in the sports industry someday. Working for the PGA Tour or anywhere in the golf industry would be something I'd love to do. Playing professional golf has always been a dream of mine as well, so that may be a possibility in a few years.
In what ways has Nebraska helped you grow as a person?
I've been pushed out of my comfort zone in more ways than one, and I've seen so much improvement in myself over the past semester not only in my golf game, but academically as well.
In what ways has the coaching staff helped you improve your golf game?
Coach Hankins and Coach Balak have helped me tremendously over the last semester in that they have shared their years of experience in the game, which has helped me to expand my knowledge about the game.
What do you hope to accomplish at Nebraska?
I've set some lofty goals that I hope to achieve in the next few years, and some of those include winning a B1G Championship and making it the NCAA Championships, not only individually, but as a team.
