Get to Know JonErik Alford
12/9/2019 11:18:09 AM | Men's Golf
JonErik Alford
Year: Redshirt-Sophomore
Hometown: Johns Creek, Ga.
Major: Sport management
Why did you come to Ohio State? What made you pick the Buckeyes over other schools?
I came to Ohio State because of the people. They made this place feel like home even though it was one of the farthest schools from home that I was looking at.
What does it mean to you to be a Buckeye?
To be a Buckeye is something that doesn’t go away. Once you are a Buckeye, it’s a family thing.
What does your pre-tournament routine look like? Do you have any superstitions?
Foam rolling and stretching in the hotel room. After that, I actually don’t warm up much on the range, just a lot of putting to get used to greens. No superstitions for me.
How do you keep yourself entertained on road trips?
Lots of music and podcasts. I likely will end up asleep on the van more than anything though.
Other than golf, did you play any other sports growing up?
Football, basketball in high school and baseball was replaced by golf starting in middle school.
If you had the opportunity to play one sport other than golf at Ohio State, what would it be and why?
I would likely play basketball. I love to watch it and play pickup games every now and then.
Who is your favorite professional golfer? Why?
I don’t really have one. I root for Jason Day a lot now since I’m in the area.
Do you have a favorite professional athlete outside of golf?
Lebron James
Do you have aspirations to play professionally?
I would love to play professionally, would have to see about the timing and how it all works out.
Is there someone that you try to model your game after? Could be a professional, teammate, etc.
I model my putting from Matt Kutcher. Other than that, I play my own game.
If you could play one course in the world for free, what would it be and why?
I would play St. Andrews. I always see that course on TV for British Open and would love to play it.
If you could play one round with any current or former professional golfer, who would it be and why?
I would like to play with Brooks Koepka, just to see how far he really hits it.
What person and or event has had the most influence on your life? Why?
My dad, he has been the most consistent show of what a man should be like and is someone I try to become like.
How much do you think you have learned about the game since your freshman year? What is the biggest difference that you see in yourself?
I have learned how to practice golf and how to play golf. Golf is unique because in high school you practice on your own and you still do that now sometimes but now through stats we can learn how to practice certain areas much more efficiently.
In what ways has the coaching staff helped you grow and develop your game?
The strength and conditioning staff has evolved my body to being much more mobile for golf.
What aspect of your game do you feel gives you an advantage over your opponents?
I am a great iron player and tend to hit a lot of greens. This has always helped me.
How do you keep your skills sharp in the offseason?
Our indoor facility has been huge for me as I can chip all the time. We go in there and have games and competitions against teammates which helps too.
What do you like to do in your free time? Are you a gamer, involved in organizations, etc.
I love to read and spend a lot of free time doing church events.
How did you choose your major? Do you have any minors?
I chose my major by simply knowing I want to stay in sports after college, and now I am trying to find out exactly how that will look.
Do you plan on pursuing more education (i.e. graduate school) after you graduate from Ohio State?
Yes, I might be going back to school for an exercise science degree.
What do you plan to do with your major? Do you have a career in mind?
I would like to be a sports agent or physical therapist.
If you could give one reason why fans should come out and support your team, what would it be?
We train very hard, and are out working a lot of days at 6 am in the weight room.
