The Texas Experience: Tommy Morrison
The Men's Golf sophomore details his decision to come to Texas and his appreciation for the resources provided on campus that contribute to his success.
4/23/2024
Tommy Morrison, a sophomore from Dallas who is studying Corporate Communications, has been a critical piece of the puzzle for Texas Men’s Golf since arriving to the Forty Acres. When deciding where to continue his golf career after high school, the decision was simple. Morrison had a lifelong dream of playing golf at Texas, not only because of the legendary players and alumni that came before him, but Texas Men’s Golf's winning tradition and the resources provided to student-athletes at Texas. In fact, he was so eager to get to UT to begin his collegiate golf career that he finished high school a semester early.
“When I got to Texas, I felt like I jumped straight into the deep end. Coach Fields is super supportive but he also runs a tight ship. I also went to high school online, so 6 a.m. workouts and lecture halls with 300 kids was totally different than what I was used to…but through the amazing facilities, supportive staff, teammates and academic advisors, it quickly got easier,” Morrison says.
Morrison’s success began immediately. In the first semester of his freshman year at Texas last spring, he helped lead the Longhorns to yet another NCAA Championship appearance. As his time here continues, he’s developed a high appreciation for the amenities offered through UT that allow him to enhance his athletic performance.
An average day for Morrison depends on his class schedule, but always consists of utilizing the resources made possible for student-athletes by Longhorn Foundation donor support. On days that Morrison has no classes, he goes to the Sports Medicine Center in the basement of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium where he has access to athletic treatments for injury prevention and usually where he goes to recover after tournaments.
On days with classes, Morrison begins with 6 a.m. lifts in the weight room, also located in the basement of DKR, and then heads upstairs for breakfast tacos in the Texas Athletics Nutrition Center (TANC). Then, he has classes until noon and gets lunch at the TANC before heading out to the UT Golf Club for practice. The commute to the golf course takes about 30 minutes, which Morrison enjoys because it’s the perfect time to call his parents, family or friends. “Once you arrive to practice, it’s all golf. The commute has helped me balance everything since when I get to the course, I’m only focused on one thing,” he says.
Morrison attributes the fast growth he’s experienced to the resources available on campus and at the UT Golf Club. The clubhouse facilities have all the technology a golfer could ask for and provide immediate feedback, including devices for individual work such as a foresight sports radar and indoor putting range with adjustable slopes. Overall, Morrison notes the direct correlation between the tools at Texas and his performance on the golf course.
“The access we have—to technology, training, food, and everything else—allows us to become better student-athletes,” Morrison explains. “A lot of things we have here are substantially better than other places. When choosing a place to go and having the opportunity to play, there’s no reason not to come to Texas.”
He’s quick to point out that it’s not just the facilities, equipment or TANC that give Texas its competitive edge. “The experience that our coaches have is elite and our coaching staff makes us substantially better,” he shares, a blend of reverence inspiration in his voice. “I’m super proud and so appreciative to be a Longhorn and never take it for granted.”
The experience that our coaches have is elite and our coaching staff makes us substantially better. I’m super proud and so appreciative to be a Longhorn and never take it for granted.Tommy Morrison
Morrison takes notice in the connections he has developed through the assistance of Coach Fields and the Texas Men’s Golf Staff. “Coach Fields grabbed us as a team and told us to go inside, take off your hat, and shake people’s hands,” he says. This simple, yet life-changing lesson was taught to Morrison as a child and is re-iterated as a golf player at Texas. A simple gesture like this has allowed for Morrison to build strong relationships and gain a lasting respect for the game.
Although it’s just the beginning of Morrison’s collegiate career, his achievements with Texas Men’s Golf have been historic. The future for Morrison is bright as he continues to build his golf skills and connections during his time at UT. Upon graduating from college, he hopes to play on the PGA TOUR. The possibilities are endless for Morrison with the resume has built for himself thus far at Texas; after all, what starts here changes the world!
