Justin Smith
March 31st, 2004
By Archived Story
Many of us traveled to the sandy beaches of Florida or the scorching sun of Arizona for Spring Break to take in the beautiful scenery including some of the best golf courses in the country. Those states may have the courses, but snowy Minnesota is home to one of the nation’s best golf teams for the last two years. And one of its best players.
Justin Smith, a 21-year-old senior from Franklin, Pa., is the No. 7-ranked college golfer in the nation. The intercollege-programs major is taking half of his courses in communications, and half in business, but plans to turn professional after he graduates.
But before that, he will lead the No. 11-ranked Gophers golf squad into the Big 10 and NCAA tournaments coming this summer. Smith was not highly recruited by southern schools and came to the “U” knowing the reputation the golf program built over the last 10 years. And since he’s been here, both the team and Smith’s reputations have skyrocketed.
Smith jump-started his career and put his name on the map with a first-place tie in the West-regional tournament during his sophomore season. Then on a much grander stage in 2002, Smith finished fourth in National tournament. Not bad for a player who spends his winter months driving golf balls out of a heated trailer in St. Paul with his teammates. While those in Arizona
and Florida play year round and wear themselves out, Smith and his teammates use the snowy winters to refresh and prepare for the tournaments coming in summer.
Smith was considered for the Walker Cup Team where the 10 best amateurs from the United States are chosen to compete against Europe. He wasn’t selected, but it drives him toward his goal of being the best player in the world.
He trains five days a week during the offseason to strengthen his lower body, and proof of his hard work resides in his golf hat. A worn, weathered and sweat-stained cap, teammates razzed Smith about the hat until he recently replaced it. But new gear and strict-apparel policies are just a few things Smith will soon learn about being a professional golfer.
