Jackson Twerdahl is a student athlete for the UTM Golf team. Twerdahl is in his fourth year at UT Martin. He is a red-shirt junior on the golf team, so he will get a fifth year of eligibility to play. He is double majoring in accounting and finance in hopes to become a financial advisor or something in the field of accounting. He always tries to be encouraging and uplifting for others. Some of you may know him for who he is on the green, but this interview showed who he was off the green.
How did you get into golf? Who is your inspiration? Why?
“My dad played. He was a golf professional at multiple clubs growing up. That’s what moved us around all of the southeast, and then I just kind of went to the golf course with him when I was young and fell in love with it and have been playing since I was probably four or five.”
Is there a pro golfer you idolize?
“Tiger Woods for sure. I mean, anybody my age or even older than me would say Tiger Woods, just that’s who I grew up watching. Especially when I was younger, he was just dominating. Other than that, there has not really been anybody until now that has been dominating like he was. So for sure, I would say Tiger Woods.”
How do you balance school and golf?
“It is difficult. I mean, time management is a big thing. You just have to have good time management. Freshman year was definitely difficult, but now being in my fourth year and a senior, it has become kind of just second nature to me.”
How do you prepare for matches? Routine, ritual, or random?
“I would say leading up to a tournament, coach has practices that he has got designated things that he wants us to do that would prepare us for the tournament. Other than that, it kind of just depends on what I am either struggling with during that time or not. If I am struggling with putting, then I am going to be putting a lot before the week of the tournament.”
What were some goals you had going into this season? How far along would you say you are in those goals?
“I would say the number one goal is always to win the OVC championship and, as a team, we are getting there. I mean, we still have one week left before the championship.”
What have been some of your favorite moments from this season?
“Just hanging out with the guys, whether it be practicing in or outdoors, eating or hanging out at the house being with them. Just anything, whether it is sports or golf, it is always a good time.”
What have been some challenges you faced this season? How did you overcome them?
“Going through slumps in golf is difficult. I mean, there are ups, highs and lows. Not playing well or feeling very confident in my golf swing has been a challenge. I have just continued to put in the work to try to get that confidence back and feel better about my game.”
What do you look forward to for next season?
“Giving it my all for the entire year, and one last ride with the guys.”
