Playing for most of his life, golf has become natural for senior Michael Balanon. Unfortunately for him, spending all of his free time golfing did not help make academics a natural thing.

Not being motivated in school has hindered Balanon from enjoying competitive golf at the high school level for the past two years. “I have no good excuses,” he said. “I’m just a little lazy and don’t like to do work.”

“As a freshman he showed a lot of promise,” golf coach Dan Offield said. He added that after succeeding in the Sub-Sections, “he left a lot of seniors in tears.”

However, since his freshman year Balanon has not played for any team. Having already used his probation, he faced eligibility issues, both his sophomore and junior years. “This is my final chance,” he said. “I had to raise my grades.”

Not only hurting himself, the team suffered as well. Offield said that the team could have easily picked up a few more wins with Balanon.

He knew it was time to get the grades and focus on being able to play. “Without golf I don’t know what I would be doing,” he said. “In the end it will open up opportunities.”

Time was running out for Balanon to get eligible. “It’s my senior year,” he said. “Either raise my grades or flip burgers at McDonalds.”

Not only were grades important for Balanon to play sports. He has academic dreams also. “I want to be the first to graduate college,” he said. To do so, he will attend junior college then transfer later on.

Ambitions of golf being life fill Balanon’s thoughts. “I can see myself playing in college and getting really good,” he said. “Then playing ‘til I get old and then die on a golf course.”

Balanon uses golf as his escape from the outside distractions of life. “When I’m out there I have peace.” he said. “There’s no stress and it’s like nobody can bother you.”



Freshman year Balanon was averaging around 45 on a par 36 course. Since then he has improved his game to an average between 36 and 40.

Able to drive as long drive as 310 yards, Balanon needs to focus more on his short game. He said, “I need to work on my putting some more.”

With Balanon back on the team Offield is excited about the team’s chances this year. “Realistically everybody can break 50,” he said. “That puts us in the situation to beat some top teams.”

Golf being mostly mental, Balanon approaches the game differently than other athletes in their sport. “In golf you don’t necessarily want to beat your opponent,” he said. “You want to beat the course.”

Starting off the season, an unimpressed Balanon shot a 39 at Van Buskirk golf course against Weston Ranch . “It wasn’t my best,” he said. “I messed up a few times.”

Having worked hard to becoming eligible, Balanon has turned his once unrealistic goal into one very obtainable. “I want to go to State,” he said. “Make it far so I can maybe end up in college.”