East County Athlete of the Week: Jack Burbee

Jack Burbee missed a year of golf due to two open-heart surgeries, but he’s starting to make up for lost time. The 2022 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School was born with aortic stenosis, a heart condition that narrows the aortic valve and restricts blood flow to the heart. He had his first heart surgery at 14 years old, but his condition worsened over time, forcing him to undergo two surgeries in the fall of 2024 along with redshirting his junior season at the University of West Florida. Now healthy again, Burbee played in the Florida State Golf Association 108th Amateur Golf Championship from June 5-8 at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens and placed tied for sixth with a 72-75-71-68 (-2). 

When and why did you start playing golf? 

My dad (Joe Burbee) was the head pro at our course in Virginia where we used to live, so he got me and my brother into all of that. We played a lot of junior league because they had a junior league team. We wanted to play more competitive rather than the fun PGA junior league stuff, so we started doing U.S. Kids, and after that it was so fun. That’s what I knew I wanted to do. 

What was the most memorable moment about this past year?

I think the most memorable thing was that I got President’s List for my grades because that was the only way I could help my team. So I decided to apply myself in school. I’ve tried in school, but I hadn’t tried as much as I probably should have. I studied, I cracked down and I got a 4.0 for the semester.

What is your favorite golf memory?

We won this tournament when we were in PGA junior league. It was an all-star tournament. I think we were somewhere in New Jersey and we won this big tournament. All of my best friends I grew up with were there and we were all on the same team. It was awesome.

What’s gone right for you in your bounce-back from heart surgery?

It’s just sticking to the basics. I had a great swing before surgery, and all that really happened was that I was down for two to three months. It was about going out there and rebuilding those same feelings to get back into the same swing path and build back my strength so I could feel how I felt before. It was just practicing until I could get back into that groove. I noticed after surgery it was very hard. Even eight or nine weeks after surgery, walking long distances was very tiring and hard on my cardiovascular health, so I had to take it slow. I went to cardiac rehab for a while and that helped. 

What has been your most humbling moment in golf?

Probably two years ago when our team (University of West Florida) went to the (Division III) national championship. There were six of us and I was the alternate. I played in a playoff against two of my teammates for the fifth man and the sixth man spot. I think I lost by one or two shots just because I did some stupid stuff during the qualifier. That was probably my most humbling moment giving up a spot in the national championship.

What’s your favorite meal?

Chipotle for sure. I get a double-wrapped burrito with white rice, black beans, steak, mild sauce, a little bit of hot sauce, a little bit of sour cream, double cheese and lettuce.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

I’d probably have to say Suits. The characters are so well represented. I just like the show as far as what goes on. 

What’s your go-to warm-up song?

I don’t really listen to music that often. It’s more of a thing when I go on long road trips. I’m not super into music.

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

Probably watching TV, playing pickleball, going to the pool or hot tub or hanging out with friends.

Who’s your favorite golfer and why?

I’d say Jack Nicklaus, but as far as current golfers, none. My dad oversaw the building of a course with (Nicklaus). He was the director of golf at this place called Bay Creek (Virginia) and he got to play a round with Jack Nicklaus, too. There’s a bunch of pictures of me. (My dad) was a really big fan (of Nicklaus), and he’s arguably the greatest of all time. And his name is Jack, too.

Finish this sentence. Jack Burbee is…

Resilient.