Griffin Long '19 Recruiting Profile

My name is Griffin Long and I am a sophomore at Davis Senior High (Class of 2019).   My long term goal is to play Division 1 golf for a university that has a reputation for producing fantastic golfers and outstanding scholars.  I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my first year of high school. I am really focused in school and on the golf course.

My golf highlight is shooting three rounds under par at the 2015 IMG Academy Junior World Championship, however the first time I shot under par was at Veritas Junior World in 2014.  In the past two years my game has improved to where I shoot at or below par consistently and typically finish top 10 in FCWT, NCGA and JGANC tournaments.  I plan on continuing to strive for top finishes and improving my golf game to a level that is competitive among the college ranks and beyond.  I understand the commitment it takes to achieve this level of golf.  I have seen first-hand the work ethic necessary to achieve a personal goal - my two brothers are my role models.  They both were Level 10 gymnasts, one walked onto the Men’s Gymnastics team at the USNA, and the other is building on his skills to commission into the Navy on his path to become a Navy SEAL.  I plan to be equally successful.

Prior to golfing I was a gymnast. I started gymnastics at 3 years old and competed in the NorCal boys program until was 13. I was a Level 8 (10 being the highest) and was competitive in all six events, qualifying for Regionals in 2014. I think the strength, flexibility, and balance required in gymnastics has helped my golf game. I miss gymnastics, but it was not possible to train for two sports that require so much dedication. Gymnastics is a lot like golf though, and has prepared me to be a great college teammate. Competing individually, but scoring collectively for the team, makes you work harder so you do the best for yourself and for the team.

I believe that the strength of my golf game is not really having a weak area. I generally hit a lot of fairways off the tee, and I have gotten very accurate with the long clubs that I usually have to hit into the greens. On par fives or short par fours where I can come into the greens with more loft, I usually will take advantage. My short game is solid and I can get on good runs with the putter. The main weakness of my golf game is distance. Hitting 230 to 250 yards off the tee just doesn’t seem to cut it these days with the longer courses. When I have to come into greens with a three wood while my competitor has a 7 iron in, it’s just really hard to keep up. I have to rely heavily on my short game to get me up and down. Fortunately, I’ve grown three inches in six months and am starting to notice the ball fly farther!

I am certain my golf game will continue to improve because I will keep gaining more distance and accuracy. My work ethic is strong – I’ve learned that you can’t accomplish something without putting the time and effort into it. This is a principal that I apply to both academics and golf.