Golfer Eddie DeLashmutt’s boredom evolves into passion

Sept. 10, 2012

Samantha Morley
[email protected]

Eddie DeLashmutt began golfing out of boredom. “We were camping one time on the Oregon coast, and we stumbled on a driving range,” he recalled. “We just went out and hit balls, and it stuck with me.”

DeLashmutt, born in Portland, Ore., began playing golf 12 years ago. He transferred to UCCS from Mesa Community College two years ago and is majoring in communication with a focus on public relations. In 2011, golf coach Phil Trujillo signed him.

Since that camping trip, golfing has become more than just a way to pass time. DeLashmutt has been one of 24 golfers to be on the 2011 All-Nicklaus team, membership of which is given to the top golfers in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and National Junior College Athletics Association.

He was on the First Team All-American from 2009-2010 and again from 2010-2011. DeLashmutt is a nationally ranked Junior College golfer.

According to Golfstat, an acclaimed authority for collegiate golf, he was number six out of the nation’s junior college players in 2011.

When asked about the future of his golfing career, DeLashmutt said, “This year will be a great opportunity for me to do my best with my team.”

This year the UCCS golf team consists of 11 players, ranging from freshmen to seniors. Four members are from the same community college as DeLashmutt.

The golfing season is year-round. “We play five events in the fall and five events in the spring, then our championship games in the spring,” DeLashmutt said.

Games in the spring include the regional tournament, the super-regional tournament and the national and international championships.

The team practices in the mornings, and qualifying events are usually on Friday mornings. As the players work together and learn their skills, the team can determine which golfers provide reliable scores.

“My scores are pretty consistent, and the team can count on me to hit the same numbers,” DeLashmutt said. He scores an average of 72 strokes.

Five players are chosen to represent UCCS during the season. Each will take turns golfing, with the results tallied together. The team with the best combined score wins.

As for challenges: “It can be difficult,” DeLashmutt said. Players must consider factors such as wind, terrain, distance and the par for each hole. “But you learn with experience,” he said. “The more you play, the better you are.”

DeLashmutt’s favorite part about golfing is the team aspect. “Our team is a very tight-knit group of people. We spend a lot of time with each other outside of normal training. It’s like a family. We push each other each day,” he said. “It’s a happy and competitive environment for us.”