For Andrew Putnam golf is a sport a passion and an avenue for excellence. A senior at Pepperdine Putnam has already shattered many records on campus and earned numerous regional and national awards including recognition as a two-time All-American player and a third place placement on Pepperdine’s career stroke average list at 72.77. But according to Putnam these phenomenal achievements fall short to the thrill of competing at the U.S. Open in Pebble Beach Calif. in June.
“Playing in the U.S. Open this last summer was my biggest achievement yet Putnam said.
To be eligible for the U.S. Open, Putnam endured a rigorous multi-stage qualifying process where he was chosen as one of four from more than 100 golfers in the region. And although Pepperdine did much to help cultivate his skills, preparation for that unique opportunity began long before Putnam began playing for Pepperdine.
I started playing as an eight-year-old at the country club Putnam explained. I didn’t really start out thinking this was going to be my profession but it’s definitely gone in that direction.”
Putnam began golf as a youngster with his older brother Michael a Pepperdine graduate of 2005 and current golfer on the Professional Golfers’ Association tour. This was just the start of a pair of successful golf careers and what Andrew envisions could be a future opportunity.
“It would be pretty cool if I could go out and join him on the PGA tour Putnam said.
Putnam’s goals for a professional golf career spawn not only from the example of his older brother, but also from a constant desire to improve his game.
You can never be perfect in golf Putnam said. You can never hit a point where you’re satisfied. I think that’s what keeps most golfers going. They always feel like they can get better. I feel like I’ve never reached that peak so that keeps me practicing and trying to find the best that I can be.”
Golf is esteemed as not only a physically challenging sport but a mentally exerting one as well. Putnam says he has developed sharp focus over the years.
“I try to stay in the present and not think about the future or the past he said. You’re going to get nervous no matter what. I just learn what my tendencies are when I have nerves and how to control them in a way that will help me instead of hurt me.”
Off the green Putnam loves all things outdoors. Having grown up in University Place Wash. he enjoys hiking hunting skiing rock climbing and all water sports.
Putnam is a business major and said he loves the “quality people and professors” at Pepperdine but is in search of a girlfriend and confessed that “life on the road gets lonely.”
With more than 10 years of experience in the game of golf and a fierce spirit of progression Putnam is looking forward to working hard this season staying amateur this summer and following in his brother’s footsteps by going pro thereafter.