Golf, Interviews
“Could not be Happier to be a Gamecock”: Our Interview with PGA Tour Professional Matt NeSmith
If you are a fan of golf, Matt NeSmith is a name you likely already know. NeSmith, a North Augusta native and Gamecock alum, is a Professional golfer on the PGA Tour who still bleeds Garnet & Black.
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During his time playing for the University of South Carolina, NeSmith left quite the mark, earning multiple awards and honors each of the 4 years he played. Although he impressed throughout his entire collegiate career, NeSmith’s senior season was one to be remembered. His 2016 Ping All-American selection was the first time ever that a Gamecock golfer earned first team honors. Add in his All-Nicklaus team selection, and his record-setting 25 top-10 finishes heading into the NCAA Championship that season, and it is clear that NeSmith is one accomplished Carolina alum.
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Since 2020, NeSmith has played on the PGA Tour and has continued to prove his ability to find success outside of the collegiate game. With nine top-10 finishes, four top-5 finishes, one 3rd place and one second place finish, NeSmith has given Gamecock fans everywhere plenty to be proud of, and a hometown guy to root for on Tour.
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A few weeks ago, NeSmith stopped by the Gamecock Bourbon Society’s 1st Annual Golf Tournament, which was held in his current hometown, Aiken, SC, to say hello, show support, and meet those playing. The fact that someone like him, a professional golfer and Gamecock golf legend, took the time to show up and support us at our very first tournament, meant more than we can put into words– and it certainly demonstrates the type person Matt NeSmith is.
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Because of the connection made with him that day, and since we are huge fans of him as a player and a person, Paul Miles and I asked Matt if he’d do an interview with us for Gamecockbourbon.com. Matt couldn’t have been more excited to participate, allowing us this incredible opportunity of providing something that GBS members, Gamecock fans, and local golfers alike can all appreciate.
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We hope you enjoy our conversation with Matt as much as we did.
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nOur Interview with Matt NeSmith
GBS: Was Carolina always the place you wanted to play collegiate golf? If so, did you grow up a Gamecock fan?
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Matt: South Carolina wasn’t always the place that I wanted to go, but Carolina had the best coaches. Not to mention, I fell in love with the campus when I was on my visits. Unfortunately, I was a Georgia fan growing up. When I went to college all those feelings of affinity for UGA quickly went away. I absolutely love The University of South Carolina and could not be happier to be a Gamecock.n
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GBS: South Carolina Men’s golf has come a long way over the last 25 years, and it feels like the new era began during your time at Carolina; what were the top two deciding factors that made you ultimately decide to come to the greatest university the world has ever known, other than its greatness?
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Matt: Our era of golf at Carolina was exceptional, but the push for success started with the 2008-2012 teams. Those teams really did set the tone for when I got to school and set clear guidelines of expectations. The two reasons I chose The Greatest University in the World were the coaches and the campus. Bill McDonald recruited me. The more I got to know Bill, the more I realized that he could help me get to the next level while being a great mentor. And how can you not love the Horseshoe? Our campus is beautiful!
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GBS: Budgets vary amongst bourbon enthusiasts: If you could go to one store and pick your favorite bourbons of all time in the $25-$50 category, $51-$100 category, and the $100 and up category, what would they be?
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Matt: I have to admit that I am not the bourbon connoisseur that some are but I do like to pour one and enjoy. My three favorite bourbons for different price ranges would be Woodford Reserve, Whistle Pig 10-year, and Weller 12.n
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GBS: What was your favorite non-golf moment at Carolina?
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Matt: My favorite non-golf moment besides meeting my wife was the 2012 UGA game. What an incredible night that was. Also, the Clemson game in 2013 was amazing.n
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GBS: If you had to pick your favorite personal moment on the PGA tour, what would that be and where can we go to relive it?!?
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Matt: I was talking with my wife the other day and I asked her what she thought about this question. We both had the same answer. My favorite moment on the PGA Tour so far, was my rookie year when I made a Hole in One on hole number 5 at PGA National for the Honda Classic. I was playing with the European Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington.
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GBS: Do you lean towards the expressions from one distillery, or are you a man of variety?
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Matt: As I like to say, I like to ride all the rides. I don’t discriminate when it comes to Bourbon.n
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GBS: While at Carolina, what was the ultimate team moment on the course that made you feel like you could run through a brick wall?
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Matt: Man, we had a few moments that I think about a lot. One that hurt was missing Matchplay in the National Championship in 2014 by 1 shot. (Like making the College World Series, final 8 after stroke play go to match play for the championship). That brings me to the best feeling, we made match play my senior year in 2016 and had a shot to win. I came to South Carolina to try and win National Championships. It was so satisfying to make it to match play my senior. I was mad that we didn’t win and I still feel that we could have played better. I did feel like we made it to the type of program that we had the potential to be even if it was just scratching the surface.
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GBS: Besides golf, what projects are you currently working on and how can Gamecock fans support you?
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Matt: As of right now I have been very focused on this season and haven’t been doing a lot of other things. I do love that Gamecock fans really support their own and it’s always nice to hear from them and see fans on the roadn
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GBS: If you were to make your own bourbon, would it be a high proof or low proof whiskey, and what would you call it?
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Matt: If I would make my own bourbon I would like something in the middle. If I was going to drink it regularly, I wouldn’t want it to be too high or too low-proof. But, I do generally gravitate toward higher proof or barrel-aged bourbons. The name is a tough one, and I’m not sure I have an answer for it.
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GBS: What is your favorite bourbon cocktail?
Matt: My favorite bourbon cocktail is an easy answer. I love a good Old Fashion, I don’t want too much orange but when its the right amount its perfect. For the summer I really like a Paper Plane.
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GBS: What advice would you give to young golfers who want to follow in your footsteps? What was the best advice you were given in your career?
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Matt: The best advice I have received in my career so far was from Jason Day. I played with him in the first playoff event two years ago. He told me that golf is hard enough and that we have to “try softer”. Golf is such a challenging game and we have to practice like it means the world to us but play as if we don’t care at all. It is a very odd complex but one that is extremely important.n
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GBS: We really appreciate you stopping by our Golf Tournament in Aiken a couple of weeks ago, we really did have the best time and cant thank you enough for being there; would you consider competing in it in the future, or are you nervous about being out driven by the likes of Stone Blanton?
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Matt: I had a great time at your golf tournament. It was so nice to see a bunch of Gamecocks get together. I would absolutely consider playing one year. I’m never nervous to be out-driven, I can promise you he spends more time in the gym than I do.n
nThanks to Matt for his support and for allowing us to have such a great interview with him. Be sure to follow him on social media here and support him as he prepares to kick some serious ass on the tour this year.
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Go Cocks!
