Johnson Finds Comfort Zone in Sophomore Season
November 07, 2017 | Men's Golf
By Lacey Reed, Mississippi State Athletic Communications
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A mantra for the Mississippi State men's golf team is "be exactly where your feet are."
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It's not just a quote, it's an action that sophomore Garrett Johnson is taking to heart.
"If you are standing on the first tee box you can't be thinking about the tee shot at 17. Stay in your moment and be exactly where your feet are -- That has really stuck with me," said Johnson.
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It's something that helps him stay level headed through what can be a frustrating sport.
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With the new coaches for the golf team this year comes a new atmosphere; an atmosphere that is serious, determined and family-like. Johnson believes that new head coach Dusty Smith is the majority of the reason why the team is competing and scores are up from last year.
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With younger coaches it allows players to relate to the staff more, Johnson said. He feels like the team is closer together, getting better and that he, too, is improving.
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And he is.
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This season Johnson has started all four tournaments, and he tied for 7th in the Autotrader Collegiate Classic. Johnson shot his best career round at the final tournament of the fall, a 4-under 68 at the Quail Valley Collegiate Classic.
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His mental game is one of the big differences between his freshman and sophomore seasons.
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"It's learning how to get myself around the golf course when I don't have my best day," Johnson said. "Instead of giving up whenever it wasn't there, with what Coach Smith has taught me in these few months is that it isn't all about having your best stuff that day. If you can just get around and shoot an even par or a one over round for your team when they need it, that is what matters."
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For the Alabama native, golf has always played a big factor. With someone to look up to, he quickly took interest. His father, Matthew Johnson, has always been a great golfer and his biggest supporter.
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"My dad taught me at a really young age, and ever since I could walk I had a golf club in my hands," said Johnson. "My dad taught me the game, he never forced it upon me, the opportunity was there if I wanted it."
Â
"I just took it and ran with it."
Â
Â
A mantra for the Mississippi State men's golf team is "be exactly where your feet are."
Â
It's not just a quote, it's an action that sophomore Garrett Johnson is taking to heart.
"If you are standing on the first tee box you can't be thinking about the tee shot at 17. Stay in your moment and be exactly where your feet are -- That has really stuck with me," said Johnson.
Â
It's something that helps him stay level headed through what can be a frustrating sport.
Â
With the new coaches for the golf team this year comes a new atmosphere; an atmosphere that is serious, determined and family-like. Johnson believes that new head coach Dusty Smith is the majority of the reason why the team is competing and scores are up from last year.
Â
With younger coaches it allows players to relate to the staff more, Johnson said. He feels like the team is closer together, getting better and that he, too, is improving.
Â
And he is.
Â
This season Johnson has started all four tournaments, and he tied for 7th in the Autotrader Collegiate Classic. Johnson shot his best career round at the final tournament of the fall, a 4-under 68 at the Quail Valley Collegiate Classic.
Â
His mental game is one of the big differences between his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Â
"It's learning how to get myself around the golf course when I don't have my best day," Johnson said. "Instead of giving up whenever it wasn't there, with what Coach Smith has taught me in these few months is that it isn't all about having your best stuff that day. If you can just get around and shoot an even par or a one over round for your team when they need it, that is what matters."
Â
For the Alabama native, golf has always played a big factor. With someone to look up to, he quickly took interest. His father, Matthew Johnson, has always been a great golfer and his biggest supporter.
Â
"My dad taught me at a really young age, and ever since I could walk I had a golf club in my hands," said Johnson. "My dad taught me the game, he never forced it upon me, the opportunity was there if I wanted it."
Â
"I just took it and ran with it."
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Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
MEN'S GOLF | NCAA Post-Round 1 - 5/16/23
Tuesday, May 16
Dusty Smith Press Conference - 5/7/21
Friday, May 07
Ford Clegg OWCC
Friday, March 26
Garrett Johnson's OWCC Interview
Thursday, March 25