Travers awarded with bid to NCAA Golf Championships

By Gina Massetani

When Scott Travers picked up a golf club at the age of ten, the thought of playing in the NCAA Championships seemed far fetched. Now, however, it has become reality.

Travers, a California-native, was recently chosen to play in the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships. The Santa Clara junior diffused any nervousness about the big tournament, saying "It's still just golf. Let everything happen and don't try to force anything."

Ironically, Travers was not guaranteed a spot on the Santa Clara golf team. He decided to come to Santa Clara because it was the only place that was offering him the chance to walk on, an opportunity he could not pass up. Fortunately, he impressed Coach Robert Miller, who offered him a spot on the team, which Travers eagerly accepted.

Travers has been playing golf since age ten and has gone through numerous challenges to get where he is today.

In addition to his skill, Travers' success has come in part from his strong perseverance and an optimistic attitude, which has helped guide him through some very difficult times.

From the start of his freshman year, Travers trained and practiced rigorously in order to take advantage of the opportunity he was given.

During his first season at Santa Clara, Travers had to overcome an emotional obstacle. His father, who introduced Travers to the game, was diagnosed with cancer. Not only did Travers have to adjust to college life during his first year, but he was also playing a Division I sport while coping with his father's illness.

Travers was able to work through the difficult time, and continued to play at a high level while also providing encouragement for his father's fight against cancer. As a result of this difficulty, Travers feels like he has matured as a person.

Sadly, Travers faced another obstacle last season when he came down with mononucleosis, falling ill after only playing one match. The athletic department and the coaches worked hard to get him a medical redshirt.

"They have done so much," he said in regard to the support from the Santa Clara administration and the coaching staff. "They have worked really hard to get the medical redshirt. I can't thank them enough. I really appreciate it."

Travers went into this season with specific goals in mind. Since his redshirt status only allowed him to practice last season, he was able to focus specifically on the fundamentals of the game, which gave him an edge for this season.

"My goal was to be the best player (in the WCC)," said Travers. "It was good to accomplish (that goal)."

Travers set out to be the best, and through his hard work and dedication, he has succeeded.

The standout golfer is excited to compete in the NCAA tournament as the regular season comes to a close.

"What we have been doing this year has been very successful," Coach Miller said, commenting on how he is preparing Travers for the tournament. Miller mentioned that he didn't have to do much, though, saying, "Scott's pretty good at self-diagnosing. Don't mess with success."

Being chosen for the NCAA Golf Championships places Travers against the best Division I golfers in America.

Despite his incredible success, Travers remains humble about his accolades, letting his playing ability speak for him.

Fortunately for Travers and the Santa Clara golf team, he will be returning as a senior in the fall. Coach Miller explained that next year's team will be very young, with five of the eight players being underclassmen.

"[It's] a last go around," Travers said of his expectations for next year. "I will try to do my best. I am really excited for another year. I think it will be good for maturing even more, helping out the team and preparing for the future."

Contact Gina Massetani at gmassetani@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.