Hillsdale College senior Brad Mitzner is one of two captains for the new Hillsdale men’s golf team. He played golf for four years at De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren, Mich.
When did you start playing golf competitively?
I didn’t start playing golf until freshman year of high school when I tried out for the team. I had only had a few lessons at that point. I had received a lot of tips and advice from my coaches. They helped me think about my swing, ultimately improving my mental game. I never really peaked in high school until the state finals my senior year. Freshman year of high school when I started out I was 110 in an 18-hole round. By senior year I averaged 78/79. I shot a 75 in the state finals the first day.
What is your favorite aspect about the game of golf?
What I love about the game of golf is that everyday, when you go out and play, it is a different round. You can play the exact same course, you can hit reasonably the same shots, but it will still be different. It could be that the weather was different, that they the cut the grass and greens that day, or moved the hole location. It is always different. You are always playing against others, but more importantly, yourself.
If you were to play today what would you shoot?
Today I would shoot high 70s to high 80s. It is the winter months so I haven’t played an entire course lately. The pure Michigan weather has been keeping me down. But I have still been maintaining my routine.
How do you improve your game during the winter months?
Really all you can do during the winter is hit balls. The golf team recently purchased a golf net that we can hit into when it is set up. I have a chipping net and putting green in my room at Sigma Chi.
Describe the golf team.
The golf program is here to stay. Our generous donor Mrs. Potter, who got the team going, wants us to be the best we can be. Our coach Mike Harner is here to strive for excellence. We hope to add a competitive element to the GLIAC tournaments and the conference.
Does the golf team have a team motto?
As team captain our motto is “Where is the first tee and what is the course record.” Golf is a mental game, and if you don’t have a confident mentality you will not do well. If you walk onto that course thinking you will shoot average, you will shoot worse than average. You have to have a certain amount of confidence going into every game.
If you could play with any professional golfer, who would it be?
I would like to play the game with Phil Mickelson. I am left-handed, and he is left-handed. His wedge game is ridiculous. He has great hands around the green. He can play any type of shot that needs to be played. That would be a great experience for me to build upon my own game.
As team captain, what do you hope to bring to the team?
There are two captains on the team: junior Matt Chalberg and myself. As captain, I would like to bring leadership to the team. We are a young team and we only have a few upperclassmen.
How far can you hit on a good day?
On a good day with a driver I can hit 290 or 295. If I get to pull out the big stick, I can make it work.
Are you loyal to any specific brand?
The most allegiance I have to a brand would be for the golf ball. I play Titleist Pro V I. My golf bag is very diverse, ranging from Ping to Taylor Made.
What will the new recruits bring to the team?
The incoming freshman teammates are going to bring in low scores. A lot of the incoming guys are long hitters, which I enjoy watching. Everyone who we have signed with Hillsdale are around scratch golfers. They will be chiseling their game away to make our team the best it can be.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
For my pre-swing ritual I like to step behind my shot, take a few practice swings, and visualize where I am going to hit. For pre-golf round rituals I like to get my head in the game. I enjoy singing songs in my head throughout the entire round. It keeps my mind occupied and focused away from external distractions.
Do you bring control, precision, or power to the game of golf?
I would say that I mostly bring power. However I do have great control and precision, but it all depends on the course and what clubs I have.
What’s the best game you have ever played?
The best game I have ever played was my regional championship during my senior year of high school. I started the round out four over par (+4) after two holes. I then went par on the front nine and I shot a 77. That was the first time I ever broke 80 and it was great game.
-Compiled by Alex Anderson
