After stepping away from the game for nearly a year, Alex Burroughs returned to the golf course with a renewed appreciation and a determination to prove he could still compete at a high level for Maize South High School.
That mindset has helped fuel a strong season for Burroughs, who focused on becoming more consistent under pressure while helping the Mavericks remain competitive at every tournament.
“My primary focus this season was becoming more consistent under pressure and helping my team compete at every tournament,” Burroughs said. “I wanted to lower my scoring average, improve my mental game late in rounds and continue developing into a player my teammates could rely on.”
Burroughs also set individual goals centered around competing against top competition on a regular basis and turning steady performances into breakthrough rounds.
“A big goal for me was turning solid rounds into great rounds by staying disciplined and avoiding big mistakes,” Burroughs said.
One of the biggest reasons for Burroughs’ success has been his confidence in his ball striking and the effort he puts into improving every area of his game.
“I would say my biggest strengths are my ball striking and work ethic,” Burroughs said. “I’ve always been confident in my ability to hit quality iron shots and create scoring opportunities.”
Burroughs said he dedicated significant time during the offseason to sharpening his short game, improving his putting and becoming stronger physically. Along with extra practice on the course, he also spent time in the gym working on flexibility and endurance.
“One of the biggest things I wanted to improve was my short game consistency and handling pressure late in rounds,” Burroughs said. “I also focused on becoming a better putter and improving my course management.”
The hard work paid off after Burroughs made the decision to return to high school golf following a year away from the sport. The break, he said, helped him rediscover his love for the game.
“I actually took a year off from golf almost completely,” Burroughs said. “I barely played any golf at all, but after taking a year off from high school golf, I was really focused on coming back stronger and proving I could still compete at a high level.”
Burroughs said the experience gave him a fresh perspective and made this season even more meaningful.
“The break gave me a new appreciation for the game, and I’ve worked hard to make the most of the opportunity to return this season,” Burroughs said. “In the end I was really glad that I came back and gave it one last try.”
That comeback culminated in the first tournament victory of his high school career, an accomplishment Burroughs said meant even more because of the support he received along the way.
“This is my only win of my high school golf career, and I am very thankful for everyone that helped me get there,” Burroughs said.
