Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Nicholas Brown

Nicholas Brown has been busy working on his golf game fresh off his first year at Cardinal Mooney Catholic.

Brown finished tied for 10th or better in all three events he played in May.

He shot a 77-73 to finish T5 at the Lakewood National Open (May 11-12) and a 77-74 to finish 10th at the Harbor Hills Open (May 18-19) on the Florida Junior Tour. Most recently, he placed T9 in the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor Bureau Championship (May 26-27) — an American Junior Golf Association tournament.

When and why did you start playing golf?

I started playing golf when I was 7. I just wanted to spend some time with my dad.

What was the most memorable part of your first year of high school golf?

I definitely enjoyed being with the team, winning as a team, losing as a team, and working together for a common goal. 

What’s been going right for you personally lately?

My irons and my putting has been pretty consistent. I just try to keep it in play, put it on the green and see what I can do from there.

What are your goals and dreams in golf?

I’d love to make it on the PGA Tour. In the next few years, I just want to maintain consistent low scores and try to get a ride to a D-I school. 

What’s been your most humbling moment in golf?

There was a period where I just could not putt for my life. It was a lot of mental battles and it was a really rough time then. I switched to a claw grip. I needed to switch something up.

What’s your favorite all-time golf memory?

I had a hole-in-one at (Esplanade at) Azario. I played pretty good that day. I shot five under (par). I had a seven iron and it was like 181 (yards) downwind. I hit a good shot, but it was pretty lucky. It landed on a hill and took the hill and rolled in. 

What is your favorite meal?

I have to go with steak. I like it cooked medium with mashed potatoes. 

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

My favorite show I’ve watched is Band of Brothers. It’s a World War II series. I liked watching it with my dad. It was entertaining.

What’s your go-to warm-up song?

I listen to a playlist I have on Spotify. There’s a lot of different artists. I like Maroon 5. It calms me down and gets me focused.

If you’re not golfing, what are you doing? 

Playing basketball or hanging out with friends. I played basketball for the junior varsity high school team this year. 

Who is your favorite golfer and why?

Jordan Spieth is my favorite golfer because he’s a likable guy and I like watching some of the shots he pulls off. 

Finish this sentence. Nicholas Brown is…

A hard-working person.