Ben Vertz, junior business major, said he didn’t relax until the last putt went in. He had a lot riding on it. This wasn’t a friendly game of golf on the weekend with his buddies— this was the 64th Florida Open Championship.
“I had played in the Florida Amateur two weeks earlier and had a bad day, but I learned from my mistakes and I knew I could play well,” he said.
Nine years of experience didn’t hurt either. Vertz has been playing golf since he was 12 years old and has participated in hundreds of competitions. He also had a lesson with his swing coach before the championship.
“I enjoy getting ready and see how the tournament goes,” he said. “My favorite thing to do is putt. I enjoy the challenge. It’s different every day.”
To win, the Coral Springs native surpassed 156 other players.
For incoming student-athletes who wish to be as successful, Vertz had some advice. He said time management was crucial. “You have to be good at balancing golf, school and your social life and, sometimes, you have to be a little selfish if you want to be successful,” he said.
With the start of the school year, Vertz looks forward to a successful season with the Sharks.
Questions and Answers with Ben Vertz
Before you compete, what is your perfect pre-match meal?
“Pasta, chicken, veggies, maybe a salad. That’s the night before, of course. The morning of the game I eat a bowl of cereal, PB&J toast, eggs and some fruit.”
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
“My hero is Tom Watson [professional golfer and six-time PGA player of the year]. I don’t know if he’d play me, but I want to be like him.”
In the movie who would you want to play your love interest?
“The golf course.”
If you were stranded on the moon, what three items would you take with you?
“My family and my clubs. That’s all I’d want.”
If you could travel back in time what time period would you go to?
“I wouldn’t. I like where I am right now.”
If you could sit down for dinner with anybody, famous or not famous, dead or alive, who would you want?
“Tom Watson. He’s my hero.”
