Golfer brings fire to the course and the team

By By Asher Fusco

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Photo by Amanda Sellers

Gary Woodland, Topeka, junior practices early in the morning every day with the golf team at Alvamar Country Club. Woodland has been playing on a team since high school and one day hopes to play a game with Tiger Woods.

When asked to list the positives he saw from his team during an all-around poor showing in Cary, N.C., last week, Ross Randall couldn’t find many. But the Kansas coach didn’t hesitate to mention one incredible sight he bore witness to.

“The last hole is a 415-yard dogleg to the right over a big, huge lake, and Gary Woodland knocked his tee shot on the green,” Randall said.

After pausing for emphasis, Randall added, “On the fly.”

Judging by the disbelief and near giddiness Randall spoke with, it is not every day that a golfer like Woodland comes along.

Randall has guided a strong Kansas men’s golf program for nearly three decades and has coached more than a few great golfers, such as PGA golfer Matt Gogel. Randall said he was impressed by Woodland’s potential.

“We’ve had some good players, but Gary has the strongest potential,” Randall said.

Woodland, a junior from Topeka, brings a competitive fire to the course every time he steps onto the green. His desire to win was crafted not only through practice at the driving range, but also from his experience on the basketball court.

After graduating from Shawnee Heights High School, where he played golf and basketball for four years, Woodland received a scholarship from Washburn University to play basketball. Soon after, Woodland left the hardwood in favor of his 3-wood, and has since firmly planted himself among the best in the history of Kansas men’s golf.

Woodland won the Cleveland State Invitational in September, firing rounds of 67, 66 and 69 to win the tournament. He also won the 95th Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship in July.

“I know as long as I get myself in contention, I’m always 100 percent positive I can come through and win,” Woodland said.

Woodland’s success can also be attributed to an extraordinary work ethic and to the countless hours spent honing his game. Woodland said he traveled to Dallas several times each month to visit a swing specialist. He said he also met with a sports psychologist on a regular basis.

Many days, Woodland wakes up for a 6 a.m. workout, attends classes all morning, and hits the course for an afternoon of drives, putts and approach shots.

The intense devotion and ambition Woodland dedicates to his craft goes far above and beyond the practice habits of most student athletes.

When asked about his future in golf, Woodland showed his optimism.

“I have high goals and high expectations, and I really think the sky is the limit,” Woodland said.

Randall said Woodland had the talent and drive to take his career in golf as far as he wanted.

“He needs to work on a couple more things, but he’s very, very talented, and people around the country know who he is,” Randall said.

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