Charles Thompson’s competitive fire and ability to make up for lost time are taking his surging golf career to San Jose State University this fall.
The Grade 12 Delta Secondary School student signed a National Letter Intent earlier this month and will be on the Spartans’ roster for the 2015-16 season. The scholarship deal ends a somewhat remarkable journey that began a little over a year ago.
“We are really excited and can’t wait to work with Charles,” said San Jose State head coach John Kennaday. “He has really good disposition for the game and tremendous upside. He is a bit of a late bloomer and we are fortunate to make him part of our team.”
Thompson didn’t even know he wanted to pursue a golf scholarship until his Grade 11 year.
He took lessons as a youngster with current Kings Links by the Sea head professional Neil Bidewell but his passion was soccer for a number of years. His interest in golf was rekindled by DSS athletic director Shell Thompson who encouraged him to play for the school team and beyond.
Charles put the soccer cleats away and spent most of his free time at the Beach Grove Golf Club where he was a junior member. It was his hours on the range where he got the attention of teaching professional Toni Taylor who was back working at her home course.
“I kept my eye on some of the players and maybe offered them some tips,” Taylor recalled. “They also saw me at some (junior) events and the relationship built through a natural process.”
Thompson eventually approached Taylor about working with him on a regular basis. That’s when he shared his ambition of earning a golf scholarship.
“The first thing I said to him was that he was too late,” smiled Taylor. “The college process of laying out the path and directions should be starting in Grade 8. I’m not saying you still can’t make it but you have already closed the doors on some opportunities. By Grade 11 you should already be marketing yourself like crazy.
“This was a young player with talent but nothing on his resumé. We had a lot of work to do.”
Taylor made it clear to the Thompson family what had to be done.
A competitive schedule was put together that would allow Charles to gain tournament experience on both sides of the border. She needed a student with a tremendous work ethic and parents willing to make a financial commitment to allow him to play in higher-profile events.
“Everyday this young man is here,” said Taylor, looking up at her 6-foot-5 student. “He has that burning fire inside of his belly and I feel honoured and privileged that his family trusted me in guiding him towards that goal. With the right direction, he would find his way very quickly and he did. Extraordinarily within a year (from when we started).”
Thompson made his mark in Canadian Junior Golf Association events where finished 11th on the national order of merit out of more than 500 players. He earned the opportunity to represent the CJGA in events in Scotland, China and, most recently, the MCB Curacao Masters where he finished second among 26 amateurs.
“Any college coach is looking for international experience,” continued Taylor. “You also have to play in three round tournaments. These one day events mean nothing to them. It’s the first time in San Jose history a coach is signing a player without first meeting or seeing him play. That’s (me) telling (their coach) don’t miss the boat on this kid. His potential is unlimited.”
Thompson will be visiting university next week.
“We lived in San Jose for a year when I was in kindergarten so it will be pretty cool seeing my old elementary school and other things,” said Thompson. “I will get to meet the team and stuff. It’s going to be a great experience and I’m just looking forward to being more independent.”
Thompson is already getting ready for his August departure. He credits his steady improvement to Taylor’s Fluid Motion Factor teaching program which he describes as a “game changer” for him.
“Right now I’m prepping him to make sure he gets really comfortable with who he is,” added Taylor. “He will become his own best teacher so when he goes down there he will have a better understanding of himself.
“I’m confident he will make the transition well.
