Dec. 5, 2008
The decision on where you attend college is often one decided by what the school has to offer, the quality of education and the location. Simon Ward found out that the location of where he attended college would be one that consisted of a plane ride over the Atlantic Ocean.
Ward, a junior, attended Ulster University in Northern Ireland before making the trek to Orlando. With two years of eligibility, Ward hopes to make the most out of his opportunity on the golf course, and in the classroom where he is pursuing his master's degree in business administration.
Even with the long distance, schools didn't shy away from recruiting Ward.
"I was initially recruited by the University of Kentucky, and after awhile they decided not to let me into UK," said Ward. "(Kentucky head golf coach) Brian Craig got in contact with Nick Clinard and that is how I got here."
After hearing about Ward, Clinard knew that he was a special talent that would make a great addition to the team.
"I knew who Simon was because we do a lot of recruiting internationally," commented Clinard, who is in his eighth season at UCF. "At one time he was 29th in the world in the amateur golf rankings, so he is one of the best players at his age to play the game and he is getting back to that level."
When Ward arrived on campus in August, he knew the transition period would be tough. Dealing with 90 degree weather on a regular basis can be somewhat of a shock when one is accustomed to 60 to 70 degree summer days. Ward knew the transition would take time.
"It is a lot warmer over here which is a big change," said Ward. "I am also getting into all the sports over here like football, and basketball season is starting up which I am looking forward to. The food is totally different, but I am liking the transition so far. It was tough from the start, but I enjoy it now."
Assisting Ward in his big decision were his parents, Mary and Peter. They knew the opportunity for their son was one that would better him in his golf game and his life skills, even though they would only see him once a year.
"They wanted me to develop as a golfer and as a person," said Ward. "They also wanted me to learn different culture and to live on my own. They know it will be good for my development as a golfer. I will only get to see them around Christmas, but I get to go home for about a month which should be fun."
On the golf course, Ward has enjoyed his time getting to know his teammates, while improving on his game. Ward commented on the team chemistry, noting that everyone is getting along and connecting with each other. He knows that in order to be successful on the course, everyone needs to be on the same page.
Leaning on past experience has helped Ward start to develop as one of the team leaders as well. Ward was a part of the 2007 Ireland amateur team that competed and won the European team championship.
"Obviously I have a lot of experience with teams and playing team sports in Ireland," said Ward. "Hopefully I can bring some new skills to UCF."
As for his leadership skills, Ward knows the key is to always be developing them because a leader always has room to grow.
"I think leadership skills have evolved," commented Ward. "Obviously you have to have them, but you can also develop those skills. Hopefully we can lead the team to conference and then to nationals."
Ward put his skills to work as he and the rest of the team competed in the Isleworth UCF Collegiate Invitational. The tournament was held in late October at Isleworth Golf & Country Club in Windemere, Fla. The team finished the tournament tied for 11th with No. 5 Illinois. Ward knows that a strong performance like that can propel the Knights' season in the right direction.
"The tournament was very good. We played against Arizona, Kentucky, and a lot of other good teams. We play a very good schedule and play tough teams, so it is nothing new to us."
In his short time across the pond, Simon Ward has made the most of his opportunities thus far at UCF. With refined leadership skills, great character and love for the game, Ward has won over his teammates and coaches on and off the course.
- Eric DeSalvo