Windsor High golfers commit to play for Ferrum

WINDSOR

Zachary Phipps and Zachery Walsh, both seniors at Windsor High School, have pledged their commitment to play golf at Ferrum College this fall. The signing ceremony took place mid-afternoon on Friday with family, classmates and coaches present to witness.

But the childhood friends, who also play baseball, will be doing more than having a good time on the links. They’ll also be studying subjects related to potential careers in golfing. Walsh said he’ll major in ag sciences and business-related courses in order to one day manage a professional level golf course.

Phipps said he’ll also be learning turf management, which would assist him in being able to manage a golf course and all that entails in course maintenance.

“There’s a lot of moving parts to get a golf course,” he said.

Thanks to their academic standing, as well as college choices, both have received scholarships from Ferrum. Phipps, for example, has been awarded approximately $86,000 in a presidential academic scholarship. Walsh confirmed he’s also been gifted with similar tuition assistance for the four years.

They credit their respective fathers for introducing them to the gentleman’s game. Walsh’s father, Keith, got his Zachery started early. Phipps said his dad, Kevin, started him out in seventh grade. Their equally supportive mothers are Jennifer Walsh and Becky Phipps.

Both students acknowledged, though, that they really didn’t start taking the game seriously until two to three years ago.

Now, said Phipps, “We live and breathe golf.”

Just last weekend they said they were at a tournament in Florida and who did they see, a mere 3 feet away, but the renown Tiger Woods. Another professional that the students admire is Dustin Johnson, one of the top golfers in the country, if not the world. Walsh said they even got a high-five from him.

Phipps and Walsh each aim to earn their PGA Pro cards, which can be earned through their work experiences in college.

When they saw what Ferrum had to offer and it’s potential to make a golf team a great one, that’s where they picked. Walsh said Phipps told him about the school and its offerings.

“The coach can get our game better,” they agreed. The students also hope to play in games and tournaments across the country.