Believe it or not, sophomore golfer Andy Matthews and Abraham Lincoln have a lot in common. Of course, Lincoln couldn't hit a golf ball very well, and Matthews hasn't been President of the United States, but certain characteristics are unique to both men.
In the course of his lifetime, Lincoln was known for the things he said, portraying how he lived and what he believed in. Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.
"I started to play golf when I was five years old," Matthews said. "My parents, especially my dad, got me interested. We had a membership to a club, so I played tennis all morning, swam all afternoon, and golfed the rest of the time. I played non-stop."
Playing golf when most kids were learning to ride bicycles with training wheels, Matthews improved his game. Living in Ada, outside of Grand Rapids, Matthews attended Forest Hills Central High School, where his ambition for the game of golf began to show.
"I didn't play other sports, it was just golf," Matthews said. "But don't think golf is my whole life, it's just a big part of it. I also enjoy fishing and flying."
Making a goal of being the best, and fulfilling that to the end, Matthews scripted out his high-school golfing career. He finished second individually in the State Division I Championship.
His level of play that attracted big universities like Notre Dame and Michigan.
"One of the things that Andy brought with him to the team was a serious commitment," said Michael Harris, a fifth-year senior and Michigan's top golfer. "He is a guy who wants to play golf and get better in the worst way. He has a great work ethic."
"He's bent on being a better player," Carras said. He's got that natural desire to be the best."
Upon the subject of education, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people must be engaged in.
Sometimes in college athletics, the academic dimension is somehow forgotten.
"Our team emphasizes academics, which is very important," Carras said. "We want a program of student athletes, not just athletes."
Andy Matthew's major is sports business, a degree that can lead to a successful future if playing golf doesn't work out.
"I would like to become an athletic director or an agent, something inside sports," Matthews said. "I like to travel, so that would be a definite plus."
When asked is he would consider leaving his higher education to play professional golf, not unlike Tiger Woods, he grimaces.
"My parents would have some serious issues with that," said Matthews. "I can see Woods do it with Nike coming his way with $50 million, but for me, I'll get my education."
Character is like a tree and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.
"Playing my hardest and receiving a scholarship to a world class university is my way of giving back to my parents," Matthews said. "They have given me so much, and this is how I try to show my appreciation."
The best thing about a future is that it only comes one day at a time.
The urge to rush life and start golfing for a living is always preying on Matthews.
"After the Buick Open last summer, I played with the pros," said Matthews. "It sure whetted my appetite to join their ranks."
Matthews playing partner was Charles Warren, a 1997 graduate from Clemson who also won an NCAA Championship.
"He told me 'to have patience and enjoy the next three years of college, you have the rest of your life to play professional golf. Soak up all of your college experience, you can only go to college for the first time once,'"said Matthews.
"As much as I wanted to play with the pros, he settled me down. It really helped me to refocus my life and where I wanted to go."
As for his future after school, Matthews hopes to qualify for the PGA Tour, and if that doesn't work out, there are the Canadian and Nike Tours to play in.
And besides golf, Matthews can always rely on his education in sports business.
"He has the potential to go a long ways, nothing is impossible," Harris said.
The better part of one's life consist in his friendships.
"Our team is really close," Matthews said. "We hang out and enjoy each others company. There is a real unity among us."
The unity does not just include the athletes, but also their coach.
"Coach Carras is a great guy," Matthews said. "We have so much fun with him because he relates to us so well."
Although Carras is quick to praise his promising player, he is just as quick to humble him.
"In spite of my comments, I don't want Andy's head to grow too large," Carras said. "I want him to keep his hat size at a seven, not an eight and a half.
"In spite of all Andy's accomplishments, we have yet to find that he can walk on water."
But if he continues have the spirit of Lincoln, you can be sure he'll try, and be the best at it in the process.
10-21-99
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