Playing golf at the University of Arkansas was always a goal and dream for Brooke Matthews of Rogers, AR. That dream is now a reality as she is one of the top college golfers in the country. Hard work, along with a great support staff of family, coaches and friends have been a big part of Brooke’s success. We recently spoke with Brooke about her golf career and her future plans.
Q&A:
THE VARSITY REPORT:
How special has it been to be able to grow up in Rogers and now continue your playing career at the University of Arkansas?
MATTHEWS:
Growing up in Northwest Arkansas and growing up a hog fan I always wanted to play sports there. I love this area and the state. When I started playing golf it was a dream to play for the University of Arkansas. When I had that opportunity I was just over the moon.
THE VARSITY REPORT:
How old were you when you started playing golf?
MATTHEWS:
Besides my dad taking me to the range a couple of times when I was a kid, it was really around 12 when I started to be serious and play some tournaments.
THE VARSITY REPORT:
What is your favorite high school golf memory?
MATTHEWS:
It was the golf team winning the conference tournament by one shot. It was a special moment for our team. I have a lot of great memories with my team. We were good friends. Winning that conference championship and taking that trophy home was awesome.
THE VARSITY REPORT:
What is your message to junior golfers starting to play?
MATTHEWS:
Make sure you always have fun with it. It’s a great sport and a great game. You learn a lot about yourself and you learn a lot of life lessons. It’s a little bit of a different sport in terms of what it can teach you. Make sure you know it’s a sport. Sports are supposed to be fun.
THE VARSITY REPORT:
Where do you see yourself in five years?
MATTHEWS:
Ideally, right now what I want is to have some success on the LPGA Tour. Wherever my life leads me. Being in my shoes right now, that’s definitely my goal and that’s where I want to see myself.
THE VARSITY REPORT:
How have your coaches at the high school level and now in college helped you progress in your game?
MATTHEWS:
My high school coach at Rogers was Brenda Alexander and she’s still such a good supporter of me. She texts me after every college golf tournament. She was really awesome to have at my school. My swing Coach Philip Walker who I’ve been with since I was 12 has been really solid. Coach Shauna and Coach Mike here at the University have developed me as a golfer and a person more than I ever thought when I first committed. I’ve been really grateful to have the right people around me.
THE VARSITY REPORT:
Has there been a specific golfer that you’ve looked up to and been inspired by?
MATTHEWS:
When I was a kid Stacy Lewis was a big inspiration because she was a Razorback of course. Through the years, really my teammates have inspired me. Maria Fassi, Alana and Dylan. All the people I was able to see day to day were honestly big inspirations to me and they taught me a lot.
THE VARSITY REPORT:
What’s your favorite golf course you’ve had the opportunity to play?
MATTHEWS:
Augusta National has to be my favorite. Other than Augusta, I love the Blessings. It’s my home course and I’ve had some success there.
THE VARSITY REPORT:
What are some characteristics that best describe you?
MATTHEWS:
I’m a very motivated person. I feel like anybody who’s at this level in sports has to be. I also like to laugh and have fun with my friends. I’m a loyal friend, hard-working and grateful. We’ve all been given a lot and making sure I always recognize how grateful I am is so important. I never would’ve imagined I would be in the position that I’m in. I’m ready to continue on this journey that I’m on.
THE VARSITY REPORT:
What are some things you enjoy doing in your spare time?
MATTHEWS:
I love hanging out with family and friends. I like movies and like anyone else my age I love Netflix. I love to read and do things outside.
