Get to Know Jackson Chandler
1/23/2020 11:40:26 AM | Men's Golf
Jackson Chandler
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Major: Undecided
Why did you come to Ohio State? What made you pick the Buckeyes over other schools?
I came to Ohio State because I wanted to be surrounded by people who had the same goals as me: winning a national championship and playing professional golf. I eventually chose OSU over other schools because I had grown up a Buckeye fan and didn’t want to leave the Ohio State family. Ohio State was my dream school.
What is the most memorable moment of your Ohio State career thus far?
Over the course of my short career at OSU, my most memorable moment was probably listening to Brooks Koepka speak at the Nike Collegiate Invitational.
What does it mean to you to be a Buckeye?
To me, being a Buckeye means that you are committed to being the best you can be at not only your sport, but everything you choose to do in your life.
What does your pre-tournament routine look like? Do you have any superstitions?
I have a pretty similar pre-tournament routine. I like to get to the course about an hour and a half before my tee time, so I don’t have to rush into my warmup, then I putt for about 10 minutes, hit balls for about 30-40, then finish at the putting green. The one superstition that I can think of is that when I am marking my ball on the green, I have to put my mark down with the OSU logo facing up.
How do you keep yourself entertained on road trips?
It is hard to keep entertained on road trips, but you find things to talk to your teammates about, sleep, or do homework.
Other than golf, did you play any other sports growing up?
Other than golf, growing up I played a lot of basketball and football, with basketball probably being my favorite of the two.
If you had the opportunity to play one sport other than golf at Ohio State, what would it be and why?
I would love to be on the football team if I could play another sport because I have always wondered what it would be like to make a big play or a game winning play and hear all 106,000 fans cheering for you.
Who is your favorite professional golfer? Why?
My favorite professional golfer is Jordan Spieth. I’ve always loved watching him because we are both originally from Dallas, TX and I love watching him swing and listening to his commentary on the golf course.
Do you have a favorite professional athlete outside of golf?
Outside of golf, my favorite professional athlete is Kobe Bryant.
Do you have aspirations to play professionally?
Yes.
If you could play one course in the world for free, what would it be and why?
Definitely Augusta National. Would love to see what the players see during the Masters.
If you could play one round with any current or former professional golfer, who would it be and why?
Tiger Woods. I obviously grew up watching him play and just being in the presence of the best golfer to ever play would really be like a dream come true for me.
What person and or event has had the most influence on your life? Why?
My father’s passing. I think I really gained a new perspective on life and I have really bought into the idea that you should never take anything for granted.
What has the experience been like since arriving at Ohio State? What have you learned?
Since arriving at OSU, I’ve figure out that it’s truly another level of golf. I think I have become mentally tougher since last August and I’m excited to see myself grow over the next 3 and a half years.
In what ways has the coaching staff helped you grow and develop your game?
They have helped by hosting a lot of discussions about leadership and goals and they have brought in some guest speakers that I really think have helped us as a team.
What aspect of your game do you feel gives you an advantage over your opponents?
My short game definitely gives me an advantage over my opponents. I’m not the longest hitter so anytime I get onto a shorter course, I take advantage of my skill set.
If you could achieve anything in golf while in college, what would it be?
As a team obviously it would be awesome to be Big Ten and national champions one day, but individually I want to win the Haskins Award and I truly believe that I am capable of doing so.
How do you keep your skills sharp in the offseason?
A lot of training indoors in the gym, in the facilities inside and outside in the bays.
What do you like to do in your free time? Are you a gamer, involved in organizations, etc.
When I get the chance, I like to spend my free time at the basketball court or playing football with friends.
If you could give one reason why fans should come out and support your team, what would it be?
I think it should be to watch high level golf and just too cheer for the Buckeyes! Gotta have that school spirit!
