Hailing from the same island where golf was born, Mitch Farrer, a senior finance major and member the NSU men’s golf team, came to NSU for the weather and the campus but stayed for everything else.
Farrer was born in Ifield, a town within West Sussex, England and attended Reigate Grammar School, which was 20 minutes from his home, before enrolling at NSU.
Most good golfers start playing when they are still young, usually around four, but, despite coming to is as an adolescent, Farrer was still able to sharpen his skills well enough to continue playing in during his collegiate career.
“I started when I was about 12, but I didn’t take it seriously till I was 13 or 14. That was my first major year of playing properly. Quite a late starter really.”
Farrer also didn’t follow in his family’s footsteps as most athletes tend to do. It was the play of his best childhood friend, who played with top professional Rory McIlroy, which really sparked his interest in the sport that he would come to love. And so, simple spectator developed into a dedicated player.
Farrer keeps a positive attitude on and off the course, never getting down on himself after hitting a bad shot or having a bad round. Farrer knows that it’s all part of the game.
“I tend to think ‘What can I do to do better next time?’ That is how you get better. You learn from your failures because you’re going to have them in sports for sure,” said Farrer. “Best tip I ever learned was to focus on my body language — making sure it’s as positive as it can be.”
Farrer will look to pursue a career in golf in the states instead of returning home right away to try in Europe. He hopes to earn his master’s while continuing to practice and critique his game until it is good enough to turn him into a pro. Either way, he will have all the tools he needs for the future, on and off the links.
“My parents always said to follow your dreams, so no matter how long it takes, that is what I want to do. Maybe I’ll change my mind in three or four years but maybe not,” said Farrer.
I sat down with Farrer a day after he returned from a conference tournament to find out more about this passionate golfer.
What has been your most memorable moment playing golf?
“Winning the National Championship in 2012 for NSU. That was the best experience of my life on the golf course. I’ve had some good individual performances at home but it didn’t compare winning with the team.”
What would you say is your strength as a golfer?
“I would say my ball striking. How I hit the golf ball and manage my game on the golf course. I tend to play smart rather than aggressive.”
Weaknesses?
“Definitely putting, because I hit the ball quite well; it puts a lot of pressure on the putting. It’s a tough part of the game. It’s quite mental.”
Who is your favorite athlete?
“Tiger Woods.”
Favorite food?
“Indian curry.”
Favorite Movie?
“Step Brothers.”
What professional course or tournament would you most like to play in?
“‘The Masters’ would be the dream. Playing in any major would be the dream. Hopefully, I can play in one.”
What do you like to do for fun outside of golf?
“I like to read. I’m a big reader. I read a lot of books, whether they are golf books or any kind of sports books, autobiographies of very famous coaches or athletes. I also like working out and socializing with friends, watching soccer and other sports.”
Do you prefer to play here or in England?
“Here, because it has made my game better for when I go back. It’s almost a lot tougher to play the courses over here. They are much longer over here and the courses over there are 200 to 300-years-old, and they weren’t built for the modern equipment.”
If you could play another sport at NSU, what would it be?
“Soccer. I used to play it along with rugby and cricket. I’m better at cricket but you don’t have that over here.”
If there were a movie made about your life, who would play you?
“Simon Pegg.”
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
“Teleport back in time so I can change some of those shots.”
