On the green, Sawyer Burleson, a sophomore at Pampa High School, is a force to be reckoned with.
Thanks to his father, Burleson started swinging his first golf club at just three years old.
Throughout his life, Burleson’s interest in golf has led him far and wide. He has participated in golf tournaments in northern Texas and recently represented Pampa in regionals held at Shadow Hills Golf Course in Lubbock.
At regionals, Burleson tied for second place overall and won medalist for low-scorer in stroke play. As such, Burleson has advanced to state and will be representing his team, school, and community on May 22nd and 23rd.
Burleson spoke about his excitement for making such a momentous achievement.
“Going to state is such a big achievement, I’m excited for it,” Burleson said.
Mike Floyd, the Head Coach for Boys Golf, expressed his support for Burleson advancing to state.
“I feel proud and excited for him. There are very few kids that love what they do as much as Sawyer does,” Floyd said. “He loves golf. He plays every day, whether he’s practicing or not. He’s a fantastic player and has just as much chance as anybody to go down there and do well.”
Since he moved to Pampa, Floyd has known Burleson and his passion for golf.
“My son, the Parker brothers, and Sawyer would go to Pampa Country Club and play golf together,” Floyd said. “Members of that group had gone to state and now it’s Sawyer’s turn to go. It’s cool to see.”
Floyd remarked about Burleson’s dedication to the sport of golf.
“Sawyer loves to practice. He enjoys doing things a lot of kids - a lot of people - don’t like doing,” Floyd said. “He’ll practice putting and chipping. You can find him on his own on the green. His self-determination and self-motivation have led him through this journey.”
Through the praise and congratulations, Floyd constantly shares one key piece of advice with Burleson.
“It’s just golf; relax and play golf. Take it one hole at a time, take it one shot at a time,” Floyd said. “It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the moment and get nervous. If you just realize that everyone is as nervous as you are, just relax and play.”
Burleson expresses his thanks to those who have supported him.
“I want to thank my dad for getting me into the game. I want to thank Coach Floyd, he’s a funny guy. I like him,” Burleson chuckled. “Lastly, I want to thank my team, they give me a challenge.”
