MARYBETH McGUIRE – A GAME OF GOLF

BY JESSICA LYNN MEYERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BOOINI

16-year old Marybeth McGuire is eager to continue improving in a game that most people consider a leisure activity or hobby.

At age 6, her parents signed her up for a youth golf camp at Tyndall Air Force Base’s Pelican Point Golf Course and she continued playing throughout elementary school and began entering tournaments during middle school. In the eighth grade she had to make a decision. “I was really torn between golf and vol leyball. Unfortunately, in high school in Florida, they are both fall sports so, realistically, I had to choose one.” She distinctly remembers her father’s former coach, Lou Holtz (former coach of Notre Dame football), gave her the best advice. “Coach Holtz asked me which practice I enjoyed more. It was as simple as that!” Since then, Marybeth has excelled at the game.
Currently a junior at Mosley High School, she dominated at the district and regional level of the 2016- 2017 State Series competition and placed 24th out of the 95 qualifiers at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s State Championship Golf Finals. In addition to her school’s program, she competes in the Southeastern Junior Golf  Tour and the Florida State Golf Association’s Junior Tour. This sends her to frequent tournaments all over the region. Marybeth hopes to continue playing golf at collegiate level but her priority is to attend a college that offers an aerospace engineering program. “It is my goal to work for NASA or design fighter jets one day,” she says.
Marybeth’s statements:

How long have you been playing golf?

10 years off and on, four years seriously.

Practice must-haves:
My golf bag, which includes all 14 clubs, a golf glove, a few tees, some golf balls, and plenty of sunscreen. I also prefer my golf shoes and a hat or visor. Oh, and a bag of  peanuts for the fox squirrels that live on the golf course! They’ll eat them right out of your hand!

Best non-golf related achievement(s)?
My ahhhmazing GPA. I’m currently ranked number 10 in my class of 390.

Favorite or most memorable golf related moment?
Playing at Sawgrass, which is where The Players Championship is held! I’ve also had the opportunity to play golf with multiple players that are currently on the PGA tour.

How often (or how many hours a week) do you practice?
4 days a week for 2-3 hours a day.

Advice for young / upcoming  athletes in your sport:
It will get VERY frustrating at times, but just stick with it and it will be worth it!
When I’m not practicing, my favorite hobbies include:
Paddleboarding. Reading. Offshore fishing with my family.
If I could eat anything I wanted right now, I would choose:
Cheesecake. Peanut Butter.
If I was never introduced to my sport, I think I would do/play:
Volleyball. Piano. Water Polo.
Something strange / funny  about me that isn’t common knowledge is:
I never learned how to whistle. I also want to see the world, but I absolutely hate the whole process of traveling.
My hidden talents include:
Playing piano, guitar, and violin. And I recently picked up a ukulele to learn to play.
The thing(s) that drives me absolutely crazy is/are:
Bad drivers!
If I could travel anywhere in the world for a week, I would visit:
Australia.
My plans for this weekend include:
A golf tournament in Point Clear, Alabama.
My favorite celebrity or company accounts I follow on social media are:
@gopro
If I could choose a superpower, I would choose:
Being able to read minds.
The last picture I took on my phone was of :
Nick McGuire, my really cute Chihuahua who was wearing a mini sombrero last night.
Currently, my favorite song is:
Everything on Bruno Mars and John Mayer’s newest albums! I love them!
What motivates you?
The feeling of getting a medal or trophy.