Christian Heavens, a professional golfer, started the year off with a new focus and an exciting win. Heavens shot 66-73 at the New Year Open that was played at Black Bear Golf Club, January 4-5, 2016, Eustis, Fla., earning a Champions Check of $2,200.
“It was extremely tough weather on day 2,” says Heavens, who was up against a strong field of PGA Tour veterans, a handful of web.com players, and a lot of mini-tour guys, all of who were gearing up for the season ahead. But Havens’ strong focus gained him the win.
The 26-year-old golfer, standing 5’ 11” tall, has an incredible and ambitious history. He is an alumnus of The First Tee of Greater St. Louis and represented The First Tee of St. Louis at the 2006 First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. His skills earned him a First Tee Scholars scholarship to Georgetown University in Kentucky and he competed in the 2010 U.S. Amateur at Chambers Bay, according to Golf Channel.com.
Heavens turned professional in 2012, and that same year, recorded his first two victories on the Florida Professional Golf Tour.
Saved From The Streets By Golf
“Golf saved my life,” says Heavens, who has been involved in golf his entire life. His grandfather was his mentor, and he first put a plastic golf club in his grandson’s hands as a baby.
“My grandfather has told me over the years that I was born to play golf,” shared Heavens. “He also told me over and over again that golf is a sport that is supposed to be fun. I’ve taken that to heart over the years, which is why I love the game,” Heavens recounted to the GolfChannel.com.
Growing up in Fairview Heights, Ill., a well-known rough suburb east of St. Louis. Golf played a vital role in his life. The sport was his opportunity to escape the danger of the streets. Through golf, he was able to stay away from the lure of street life and kept his focus on developing his skills in golf.
He told the GolfChannel.com: “Growing up in East St. Louis, the reputation is that most of us would be either dead or in jail by the age of 25,” said Heavens. “I have friends and family members that are in jail, or that were killed. The whole mindset of my city is negative and it hinders potential and growth. But for some reason, I have always been different. I knew that I was going to be something and change lives. I knew what was right from wrong. I just wouldn’t let myself fall to the peer pressure.”
During his high school years, Heavens got involved in an organization that changed his life. He gained valuable leadership skills by becoming one of the founding members of The First Tee of The Gateway. “The First Tee helped me become who I am today.”
The First Tee’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
The organization forever change his way of life and, he represented The First Tee of Greater St. Louis at the 2006 First Tee Open at Pebble Beach on the Champions Tour, as one of 40 First Tee students to compete in the championship.
“Walking along with the Champions Tour players was one of the best experiences in my life,” said Heavens. “All of us have a story, and it was awesome to be able to share our stories on one of the greatest golf courses in the country.”
Georgetown College in Kentucky
Heavens showcased his zest for golf during his opening speech at The First Tee Gala. During the program, he found it challenging to truly open up, and talk about his life’s experiences. However, afterward, he benefited enormously and was offered a First Tee Scholarship to Georgetown College in Kentucky.
The momentum of a scholarship added to Heaven’s determination to succeed in golf and he recalled: “Telling my grandfather that I was going to college on a full scholarship was a highlight,” said Heavens. “My grandfather always stressed education and wanted me to get a college degree. Being able to use golf to get to college made my grandfather so proud.”
While attending Georgetown, Heavens earned Honorable Mention All-American honors in his junior year. Personally, he admits that he believes that he could have performed much better. But, he admits that he really didn’t see golf as a priority in college as he should have.
During his senior year at Georgetown College in Kentucky, his golf scores began a downward slide. Heavens took quick notice and upped his determination. The renewed effort paid off and he qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay, there he regained his passion for the sport.
“At Chambers Bay, I told myself that this is what I wanted to do with my life,” said Heavens“. Plan A after graduation is to play golf and make it to the PGA TOUR. Plan B…there is no Plan B. That takes away from Plan A.”
Following graduation, Heavens turned professional and took to the mini tour circuit, experiencing moderate success with several top-5 finishes on the Florida Professional Golf Tour, including two victories in 2012.
Historically, Heavens knew that most mini tour professionals had difficulty earning money, but he was not deterred in his quest and, even confided in his mother that he would give his dream of playing professional golf everything he had and would play until he couldn’t afford to play anymore.
Getting That First BIG Break
It was in early 2014 that Heaven’s finances became a tremendous burden to him. With results on the golf course not good, he was losing credibility and confidence, while watching his personal life become out of control. In March 2014, while driving to a competition‑spending the last bit of his remaining money on the entry fee‑he knew that this may be his list tournament. But, It was while in route the phone rang with exciting news. He had been cast for Big Break Myrtle Beach.
“That phone call was one emotional conversation,” said Heavens.
The call came in a nick of time. Heavens was definitely ready for the opportunity and, even made the cut in his tournament following the phone call. The goal of playing on national TV was awe inspiring. “If anyone is ready for a Big Break, it’s me.” When asked about his plans and goals for 2016, Heavens had three words: Latin America Tour.
