Approach Shot: Senior Duo

Golf is a challenging and logical sport. Patience is required before every approach. Grips are adjusted and stances are leveled. A slow and steady drawback of the club directs to a strong and firm follow through. Sweat drips, eyes steady, and a sigh of relief happens after every explosive shot. 

It’s the smart shots that keep golfers playing the game. Two Kentucky men’s golfers are days away from what could be their final college tournament. It’s the senior sensation, the leaders of the pack, and their brother’s keeper.

The sun shines bright on Kentucky native David Snyder, a redshirt senior from Somerset, Ky. A communication major, his teammates refer to their joyful captain with the nickname “Sunshine.”

The other senior on the UK Men’s Golf Team hails from Devon, United Kingdom. Harrison Greenberry, a merchandising, apparel, and textiles major, is often referred to as “H Dog” or “Hazard.”

These humble players approach their final SEC Championship in just a few short days then their future awaits them. But each of them will take special memories of their time at UK with them when they leave.

In his last season, Snyder has led the team in every statistical category. He had eight Top 20 finishes and four Top 10 finishes during the 2016 season. He fired a season-low 66 in the first round of the NCAA Lubbock Regional and also tied for 31st at the SEC Championship last season. Snyder also won the UK Bluegrass Invitational crown with low rounds of 73 and 74.

“He is very dedicated with his craft,” said Kentucky head coach Brian Craig. “If you just watch what he’s doing when it comes to golf, I think the young guys can learn a lot from that because he really does practice well.”

Greenberry is also proving himself off the course, having earned Academic All-SEC following his freshman and sophomore years.  Before an injury to his left wrist early in his junior year, he shot a low round of 71 in the third day of the Erin Hills Intercollegiate and also tied for 19th at the USA Individual event. 

“Harrison Greenberry, we might see him on one of these cross fit competitions in a year or two because he is just fanatical about being in the gym and working out really hard,” said Craig. 

In high school Greenberry won the British Boys Championship, which is his most memorable golf moment. He also played hockey, rugby, soccer and cricket for his county. Beyond sports, Greenberry was involved in community service in high school, serving food at homeless shelters and packaging food for underprivileged children. 

Meanwhile, halfway around the world, Snyder was named All-State during his sophomore, junior, and senior years at Somerset High School. He also placed fifth in the Kentucky State High School tournament. Snyder’s most memorable golf moments were his two holes-in-one.

Both of these players inspire their teammates. Whether it is on the course, in the practice facility, or just hanging out, their competitive nature never affects their ability to have a good time, according to Craig.

“This team overall has a great sense of humor and they are really funny,” said Craig. “I would say Snyder tends to put in some witty things maybe slightly more often.”

The players wouldn’t be quite as fun without a couple secret talents. Snyder’s secret talent is playing the drums. Greenberry’s secret talent reveals a bit of his humor side as well because he claims to double as a ninja.

When they are not playing golf, playing the drums or doubling as ninjas, what else is there to do but grab dinner and a movie. Snyder’s favorite place to eat in town is Country Club and especially Sunday brunch. Then, he likes to kick back to a movie he knows a little something about, the 1980 golf comedy, Caddyshack.

Greenberry’s favorite place to eat in Lexington is Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen. He is fanatical about what he eats, according to Craig. Of course, how else is he supposed to get to the cross fit competition? After a good meal, Greenberry’s favorite movie to watch is the 2014 drama and action film, American Sniper. 

So what’s next for the seniors? Don’t count out professional golf.

“All of these college players want to be on the PGA tour,” said Craig. “That’s their goal, that’s what they want to do, and they can try because the good thing about golf is you don’t have to be drafted. If you can earn it then you can get out there.”

Unlike any other sport, golf takes a special kind of strategy and a special kind of attitude. It’s a game that takes focus, tactic, and grit to be successful. Snyder and Greenberry have certainly made their name here at the University of Kentucky and will be greatly missed as Wildcats.

Follow Snyder on Twitter (@david__snyder) and follow Greenberry on Twitter (@harrigreenberry) and Instagram (@HarrisonGreenberry).