"IF YOU LIKE GOLF"
weekly online golf column
by
Stan Crawley

August 13, 2002

Take a long, hard look at James “Jimmy’’ White III playing in the annual Red Bud Invitational this weekend at Valleybrook, because it will probably be the last time to watch him compete against the city’s best amateur golfers.

White is headed for the professional ranks.

“I’ll definitely be turning pro,’’ said White, who finished in a tie for second last weekend in the Brainerd Invitational. “It’s just a matter of getting ready.’’

After competing in the NCAA Tournament for the University of Tennessee, White took off three weeks to ponder his decision. He decided to give golf a shot, and has been tweaking his game for a peak in October when qualifying will begin.

“I don’t know when or where, but I’ll know all that in a couple of weeks,’’ White said. “I’m getting everything in order. I don’t know what tour I’ll play on, possibly the Canadian.’’

White has played four competitive rounds since the NCAAs with rounds of 72, 73, 67 and 70. The last two rounds came at Brainerd, where he made 14 birdies and seven bogeys.

“I really was disappointed with the way I played at Brainerd,’’ White said. “I left seven shots out there the last round, but that was from a lack of practice and a lack of play.’’

White, whose uncle Larry White played professionally, believes his game resembles Phil Mickelson’s.

“I’ve always been a good putter, one of the best around,’’ White said. “And I’ve always had confidence in my short game. I drive the ball straight and have enough length, too. There is nothing I don’t have that somebody else on the tour has.

“I definitely feel good about my golf. The weakest part of my game is being more consistent, but that will come with a lot of play and a lot of practice. I do feel a little like Mickelson—that’s who I’d compare myself to, especially my short game and putting. He probably thinks better and keeps his emotions better, but I know I have the talent and the work ethic.’’

White has given a lot of thought to his decision. He’s talked to other golfers who have played professionally, including former Baylor School teammate Michael Morrison, Gibby Gilbert, Gibby Gilbert III and uncle Larry.

White is also working out four to five days each week with a personal trainer and he often talks with a sports psychologist. He still gets help with his swing from Council Fire pro Hunt Gilliland.

“My next stop is to play pro golf,’’ White said. “I’m getting a lot of support for that and a lot of good advice from around town. This isn’t just golf, it’s a business. I know it requires a lot of work, but I’m self-motivated and determined. It’s perfect for me.’’

White certainly fits the mold of most of the professional players. He’s 6-foot-3 and hits the ball a long way. He has endured some times when his emotions have bothered his golf game, but believes he has control of that after playing collegiately for four years.

“I used to get really angry, mad when something went wrong,’’ White said. “Now, it’s more like frustration. Anger doesn’t do you any good. I grew out of that with maturity.

“Even Tiger Woods gets frustrated, but he’s over it in 30 seconds. He gets upset, then he’s done with it. That’s what I’m trying to do. I’ll always be emotional, but I think fans like golfers who ride their emotions and have a little fun without it affecting their golf game.’’

So beginning Friday morning, White will compete against locals like defending champion Rocky Mankin, Kevin Law, Patrick Williams and the Treadway brothers for the final time. He is popular in the local golfing community and will get a lot of pats on the back and well wishes after making his final putt on Sunday afternoon. A lot of folks want White to succeed professionally, and they will miss him competitively.

“I’ve won all the tournaments around Chattanooga, I’ve played college golf and I’ve got my diploma,’’ White said. “I know I have the talent and the work ethic to succeed, but I’ve got a business degree just in case golf doesn’t work out.’’
 

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