Collegiate golfer. San Diego native. Political science major. All-around good guy. Pepperdine’s Shane Mason is all of these and perhaps something more after graduation: professional golfer.
With a solid college career coming to an end great things are expected from this soon-to-be graduated senior.
Mason’s love of golf was sparked at the age of 5 by his grandfather. Growing up in San Diego “you can only go to Sea World and the zoo so many times said Mason. To deter boredom, his grandfather helped him dive into the world of golf.
With the influence of his grandfather, Mason’s love for the game grew rapidly. He was definitely my driving force and support Mason added.
As a child Mason played many sports. He was a typical kid trying everything involving a ball. However, it was clear to him that golf was his nitch. It quickly transformed from just a hobby to a passion.
Summers spent traveling to golf tournaments and endless hours of practicing only strengthened Mason’s determination. While most sports come and go with the seasons, golf is a year-round sport. Dedication is necessary at all times. That is exactly what Shane Mason has.
Shane has been competitive on every level he has competed at says Dan Miernicki a long-time friend and golfer at the University of Oregon. Although they attended rival high schools, Miernicki has nothing but praise for Mason. He was a dominant junior player and has continued his great play into college.”
Upon embarking on his college golf career Mason showed potential from the very beginning.
“When we come to recruiting as coaches we look to recruit players such as Shane” said assistant coach Brendan von Doehren. “With maturity and skill Shane is a complete student athlete. He fits the definition perfectly.”
This fall Mason had the best finish of his college career – fourth place at the Rees Jones Intercollegiate in Daufuskie Island S.C. Difficult weather conditions including heaving rain paired with a 7300-yard course success was difficult. “It was exciting to have a chance to win but the course was so difficult I was more focused on the course rather than how I stood in relation to the field said Mason.
While he did not finish in first place as hoped, it was still a milestone in his career. The impressive fourth-place finish did not come by chance.
When we prepare for a tournament Shane is one of the most detailed golfers on the team said von Doehren. He can dissect the nuances of a course and understand how he can score the best. Preparation and attention to detail is where he exceeds.”
Mason has continued to perform well in other tournaments this fall. However he recognizes the need to work on certain aspects of his game. “There were many areas where I could improve especially playing the par-five’s better said Mason.
With an intense practice schedule and numerous tournaments requiring absence from class, the Pepperdine men’s golf team can’t help but be united. The guys on the team have a lot of chemistry said Mason.
While Mason expresses his love of golf and appreciation of the team, he recognizes the heavy strain. It’s very demanding of our time. That sometimes makes it difficult to connect with the Pepperdine community as whole but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Coach von Doehren agrees. “As a player Shane gets the most out of his game as anyone on the team. He understands his strengths and weaknesses and uses them to his advantage.”
But despite it all his love of the game keeps him going. “I love it I love the game says Mason. It’s the combination of camaraderie and competition.” While his love of other sports is strong he sees the value in golf. “Competitive juices flow more than in another other sport said Mason.
While excelling on the golf course, Mason is noted by his colleagues as an all-around good guy. Shane is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He is both an outstanding golfer and person said Meirnicki.
With pressures and success in both school and golf, the ability to remain grounded is hard to come by. However, Mason has found that skill. The aura he produces is one of a humble nature.
Shane is a very focused and determined person in the balance of studies and sport says coach von Doehren. He is a great example for the incoming freshman and younger players on the team.”
With a solid college career Mason has plans to soar into the world of professional golf. “I expect to see great things from him in the coming years in regards to golf says coach von Doehren. There will not be a harder working aspiring professional as Shane.”
But first the spring collegiate season awaits and the NCAA championship tournament in June.