He has a swing off the tee that is as smooth as a hot knife cutting through butter; crisp, sharp, accurate iron play; and a putting stroke as sure as shooting fish in a barrel.
Jon Turcott’s game is a calm, focused and disciplined one that exposes fear in his competitors’ eyes. These qualities have helped him thrive under heavy competition. Persevering under pressure, Turcott has proven through his years at Madison that he is a clutch performer and one of the golfers in the Big Ten who is most feared by opposing teams.
Turcott, a Madison native, has grown up playing on the courses of the greater Madison area — namely UW’s home course, University Ridge, where he has enjoyed a significant amount of success throughout his golfing career, both in high school and college.
“My dad and the people closest to me have given me the most support and have had the biggest influence on my game,” said Turcott. “I started playing when I was four and played in my first nationals when I was 15. My dad was there for it all.”
Emerging through his years at UW, Turcott is anchoring the Badger golf team as it heads into the Big Ten tournament this weekend. The team’s proven leader both on and off the course, Turcott has high expectations of himself and his team heading into the championship. Turcott has become accustomed to finishing toward the top of the field.
“I want our team to finish well at the Big Ten tournament and get a bid into the NCAA tournament,” said Turcott. “I would also like to win the (Big Ten) tournament, and after that, I want to play at the level it takes to win the NCAA tournament.”
Turcott is a junior majoring in agricultural business, but after school he wants to continue pursuing golf.
“I have come this far. When I graduate from Madison, I want to give the pro tour a shot. Playing on the PGA tour would be the ultimate for me,” said Turcott. “I love traveling with the guys, and also the mental aspect of the game. I want to make the 15-footer for birdie on 18 to win the tournament. That is what I have been practicing and preparing for.”
Despite being the top dog at UW, Turcott isn’t without mentors. Mention the PGA stars and his eyes light up.
“Tiger Woods is the man; the guy always wins,” said Turcott. “It’s hard not to like a guy that always wins.” As for his favorite club in the bag: “My 60-degree lob wedge. It ‘s my bread and butter.”
Turcott has garnered many accomplishments and accolades throughout his career. He was named first-team all-state three years in a row and won the high school state tournament as a sophomore, but he considers having a 72.7 average and playing first man for the Badgers as a junior his biggest honor.
“I think this has been my best year so far. Our team has had a good amount of success, and so have I,” said Turcott. “I think we are only going to get better from here.”
Turcott is now polishing up his game for the big tournament this weekend in Iowa. He has confidence, he’s prepared, and he is hungry. The rest of the field should beware — this kid can flat-out play.
