The University of Mississippi Athletics
SPOTLIGHT: Determination Pays Off For Randolph
10/13/2009 | Men's Golf
By Morgan Adams
Athletics Media Relations
Determination and athletic achievement have been linked together since the origin of sports. Whether it is a baseball pitcher's attempt to throw the last strike and close an inning or a golfer's careful swing in effort to sink the last putt, determination is there. An athlete's ability to stay determined and focused can be the difference between a win and a loss.
Ole Miss golfer Jonathan Randolph was recently successful at utilizing determination when he won his first collegiate individual title at the Mason Rudolph Championship. Randolph commented, "It's been a long time coming, I have been real close and it feels great to finally win one."
Randolph shot 11-under par with no bogeys to become the first individual winner for the Rebels since 2006. He was one stroke away from winning at the season-opening Carpet Capital in Georgia and said that determination and focus helped him pull off the win at the Mason Rudolph Championship.
His coach (Ernest Ross) agrees, saying Randolph is one of the most meticulous players he has coached, working hard on fundamentals such as his setup, alignment and ball position.
"He's gotten better about not beating himself," Ross said. "Last year, it always seemed like one or two bad shots came at the wrong time. He has a great work ethic and pays great attention to detail when he practices."
Son of Mississippi natives Richard and Rae Anne Randolph, Jonathan is a junior and a key player for the Rebels. He began playing golf at the young age of four.
"My dad cut me off a club that was about a foot and a half long. It was a little eight iron putter from the mini golf place. That was 17 years ago," Randolph said with a grin.
Though he got such an early start, Randolph did not begin competing in the sport of golf until he was twelve years old.
However, Randolph did not waste any time making a name for his self. As a member of his high school golf team (Jackson Prep), he was named player of the year his ninth-twelfth grade years. Randolph also won the 2007 Mississippi State Junior Championship by 10 shots prior to arriving at Ole Miss.
His success only improved after joining the Rebels. With his help the team has captured numerous team titles, including the Mason Rudolph Intercollegiate in the fall of 2007, which is where he returned two weeks ago and claimed his first collegiate title.
After dealing with an injury in the summer of 2008 and part of the fall, he finished his sophomore year strong, tying for seventh at the 2009 NCAA Central Regional. The success carried over into the summer, where he captured the Mississippi State Amateur, tied for 13th at the Southern Amateur and advanced to match play at the U.S. Amateur Championship.
Randolph has showed that same determination in the classroom. He was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll his freshmen and sophomore year as well as the Dean's honor roll this past spring. In addition, he was recently selected as the "Hero in the Classroom" for the Sept. 19 football game against Southeastern Louisiana.
Through determination Randolph is able to be competitive in both the classroom and on the golf course. He encourages anyone who wants to be a successful athlete to prepare and focus no matter what sport is chosen.
