Matt Fuller was in the lead after the first day at the Michigan Optimist Junior Golf Championship on June 20 ? a position he had not expected to be in.
Fuller (15-years-old) was competing in the 16-18 age group at the Optimist. The field was full of quality golfers since everyone had to qualify at other tournaments held throughout Michigan to participate.
Fuller played solid on the second day and was able to hold on to his lead to take the Michigan Optimist Junior Golf Championship and qualify for the International Optimist Junior Golf Championship held in Palm Beach, Florida.
‘I have got a lot of seconds. It felt good to finally win one,? Fuller said. ‘I was leading by three after the first day. I got pretty nervous. It’s hard to keep a lead. I just held it together all day. I didn’t make any double bogeys. I just hit a lot of pars.?
Fuller decided to play in the older age group because he was hoping to catch the eye of some college recruiters.
‘I played in that group because you get more national recognition,? Fuller said. ‘I was kind of surprised when I won.?
Winning the tournament gained Fuller the exposure he wanted. Grand Valley State contacted him after the tournament.
Fuller could gain even more exposure when he participates in the International event from July 27-30. The tournament will feature golfers from around the country and many international golfers, who qualified. Fuller said the compeition will be tough and he hopes to play his best.
‘My goal is to just finish well,? Fuller said. ‘Hopefully I will finish in the top 50.?
Fuller, who will be a junior in the fall at Clarkston High School, hopes all the tournaments he has competed in during the summer will help improve his game for the school team.
‘I’m just practicing and playing in a lot of tournaments,? Fuller said. ‘My goal is to be number one on the golf team next year.?
In addition to his win the at Junior Optimist, Fuller took 21st at an American Junior Golf Association tournament in the 19 and under division held at Boyne Highlands. The AJGA tournaments feature golfers from around the country.
He also has two second place finishes on the Power Bilt Junior Golf Tour.
Fuller said he has played in tournaments for five years and credits his dad for introducing him to golf.
‘My dad taught me how to play,? Fuller said. ‘I played with him a lot when I was younger. I started playing golf when I was seven. I first entered a tournament when I was 10. I’ve been in around a 100 tournaments since.?
The International Optimist Championship will likely be Fuller’s biggest tournament. It will be Fuller’s second time at the International tournament. He qualified when he was 13 by finishing in the top three at a state qualifier.