Washington’s Ganon Springer
Washington High junior golfer Ganon Springer traces his love for the game back to family. He credits his grandfather, whom he calls “Grandpa Cobb,” for first putting a club in his hands and for showing him what hard work looks like on and off the course.
“I would say my grandpa Cobb, he is a great example to me and why I started playing the sport,” Springer said. “He always spends his time pushing me to be better and always wanting to play.”
Now in 11th grade, Springer balances a busy schedule of classes, golf and work. His favorite subject is science, and he lists Coach Blake Johnson as his favorite teacher, a nod to the mentors who help him in the classroom as well as on the course. When he does get free time, Springer said he enjoys either heading to the lake or picking up extra shifts at work.
On the course, Springer’s go-to club is his 7-iron, a stick he describes almost as if it has a personality of its own. “My favorite club is a 7 iron because it just feels magical to me,” he said. That confidence has helped him post a career-low round of 75 at Westwood in a fundraiser tournament, a score that hints at his potential as he continues to develop his game.
Springer said he enjoys the team aspect of high school golf most of all. “I enjoy getting to hang out with everyone,” he said, emphasizing the friendships formed during long practices, bus rides and tournaments. His favorite place to tee it up is Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, a resort course that offers a challenge and a change of scenery from his usual routine.
The sport has also given Springer lessons he expects to carry into adulthood. Asked what athletics has taught him, he answered simply: “Not to be lazy.” He looks up to professional Bryson DeChambeau and spends most of his practice time on his long game, though he admits he “should probably work on my short game more.”
