At just 9 years old, Wyatt Ware is already a two-time Cornhusker State Games golf champion with big dreams and a growing swing.
“I probably will,” he said when asked if he thought he could win his third title this summer. “But it will be hard. I have to practice a lot.”
Ware, who started golfing at age 3, splits his time between school, soccer, flag football and golf, his favorite sport by far. When he’s not practicing at a local indoor facility or hitting buckets at the range with his dad at Crooked Creek, you might find him in the backyard turning sprinklers and soccer nets into his own mini sports complex.
“I just like doing a lot of sports,” he said. “It’s fun. I like having more than one thing I can do instead of just one main one. It gives me more activities to practice.”
Golf, though, is where his focus is. He practices a few times a week, even in the cold months.
Ware’s favorite memory is winning his first tournament at Firethorn.
“I hit a ball farther than I was used to because the course was shorter, and I shot a 54,” he said proudly.
The young golfer loves competing on big courses and treating practices like a real tournament. He credits his coach and his dad for helping him improve. When asked who he looks up to, Ware doesn’t hesitate.
“Rickie Fowler. He’s really good. When I grow up, I want to be like that, more competitive.”
Before and after big tournaments, Ware celebrates his wins with a special lunch alongside his loved ones.
“In the morning, my family goes out to a special lunch, and then in the afternoon I compete,” he said with a smile. “After the tournament, it’s a surprise.”
Ware emphasizes the importance of the swing in golf. That’s his biggest advice for all the young kids trying to get into the game.
“The swing is important,” he said seriously. “Most people swing straight back instead of going up, back and then following through. You should hit the ball first, before the ground.”
Spoken like a future pro.
