FORT WORTH, Texas -- Although he is only 14 and a freshman in high school, Hud Morse won his first 5A high school golf tournament. In Texas high school sports, that would be like winning a game at a Division I university. He had to compete with older, more seasoned players, many of whom will be headed to college on golf scholarships. Not only was the tournament at one of the most challenging courses in the Metroplex - Waterchase Golf Club - it was held in inclement weather. The majority of players were seniors, marking Hud as a serious golfer to watch with major potential. As his capabilities are refined, he'll only become an even fiercer competitor.

That impressive tournament win isn't his only success. In May, Morse became one of the youngest players to compete in the premier Crown Plaza Invitational Pro-Am Golf Tournament. He was paired with Trevor Immelman, the South African professional golfer and winner of the 2008 Masters Tournament. After twelve holes, the 14 year-old was ahead of Immelman; however, youthful indiscretions of trying to beat a Masters Champion got the best of him. "I tried to cross two dog legs to increase my lead, which was a fatal decision on my part," he says.

Morse says he learns more when he loses a tournament than when he wins. "When someone wins they usually bask in their glory. They don't break down the reasons they won. On the other hand, if you lose, you are more apt to analyze the reason for your loss. I won't make that same dog-leg mistake again," he says.
Morse recently placed fifth in the state in the Legends Junior Tour. He also won the Arlington City Tournament (Arlington, TX being one of the largest cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex).

Local teaching professional Dana Bellenger, a 20-year golf pro who trains PGA tour golfers and who has been recognized as one of the top teachers in Texas by Golf Magazine says, "He's one of the most talented kids that I've seen in a long time. In addition, he has an attitude that is great to work with."

Bellenger says Hud is just now coming into his potential and that he expects even greater things from Hud in the future.

Hud is a dedicated golfer from the "you don't win silver, you lose gold school." And he practices what he preaches. He dropped all other sports this year to focus all his energy on golf. He spent the summer working on his swing and is now focusing on sharpening his mental concentration. His goal is to use golf to secure a college scholarship at Stanford University or Texas Christian University. Though he adds that his main goal in college is to get an education. More immediately, his goal is to win the Texas 5A state championship.

Statistics
Best score: 68 at Weston Lakes Country Club in Houston (shot two eagles in one round)
Longest drive: 354 yards
Number of years playing: 4
Average number of hours playing golf per week: 50 hours per week in the summer, 30 hours per week during school

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