Maurice Jeffries II is a full-time professional golfer who knows the importance of time. Like many sportsmen, he is keenly aware of the fact that his age is a big factor in the lifespan and success of his career.
Jeffries started playing with The First Tee at John White Park in Atlanta, Georgia, and participated in the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club. Today, the 25-year old has a foundation in the game that he can be proud of while seeking even greater accomplishments.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Jeffries relocated with his parents to Peachtree City, Georgia, when he was 3-years old. He faired well in the Southern metropolis and he went on to complete his college education at Jackson State University on a full 4-year golf scholarship under the great NFL player Walter Payton’s brother, Golf Coach Eddie Payton. Jeffries was a stand out on the team and was a 2-year team captain where they won 3 years of conference titles. He earned in 4-years a B.A. Degree in Political Science (2012).
He has been a member of the White Water Country Club since 2002. And, as a father of a young child, Jeffries has already gotten his daughter Kyndall (age 4) involved with the sport of his dreams, purchasing her first set of golf clubs when she was only 2-years old.
The game of golf has been good for him and through it his eyes have seen some amazing sights.
Photo: Maurice Jeffries with Rory Mcilroy, Number 1 ranked golfer in the world, at the butch Harmon school of golf in Dubai (2014).
“I’ve had the unique opportunity to travel and experience the world. I have been fortunate to travel to some very nice places” says the 5’ 11” tall, 167-pound golfer who is highly motivated. “This has provided me with a perspective–not only my golf life but a worldwide perspective– of how the world lives, and what other cultures have to offer.”
“While most of the places I travel have fine amenities, and golf courses, one cannot help but notice the great amount of impoverished areas and the lack of stability in many of their surrounding regions. But at the end of the day, we are all the same; we all dream of better.”
Photo: Jeffries chats with award-winning actor Will Smith (right)
Jeffries admits that the experience reminds him of just how blessed he is. “It also serves as a motivation for me to continue the quest to fulfill my dreams.”
His monthly practice regimen varies and is primarily based on his tournament schedules. Some months when he is registered to play in tournaments he will play or practice daily. Most of those rounds are at his home course, the White Water Country Club in Fayetteville, Georgia.
“Unlike other sports I’ve played, golf is by far the most challenging. The constant pursuit of perfection keeps me in the right frame of mind, to always think positive and, to never give up my dream of being a success,” says Jeffries who also enjoys riding horses, traveling the world by air and sea and reading good books. “Every great person has a platform from which to build. I’ve learned from many teachable moments in my life; that it is better to give than to receive, and that someone should always see a light in you.”
Bringing Up The Future
A devoted and conscientious player, Jeffries does not let golf define him, and he admits to knowing that this game is not just about him. He absolutely loves giving back to the younger generation that is coming up from behind.
“My ultimate goal is to use golf as a vehicle, to be a role model to the younger generation, to encourage positive thinking and positive outcomes. All my life, my parents have used the mantra ‘Praise God, Never quit; it’s not over until it’s over.’”
Jeffries has volunteered with the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association annual tournament, serving as Assistant Tour Director, chaperone, and has worked to transport junior golfers during the series of events. Each year, he also volunteers with the Fayette County Youth Council NAACP Golf Tournament that he started while serving as Youth Council President. The funds made through this tournament help to provide attendance and participation in the National Convention where players can compete for scholarships. The tournament has had a successful run and is now in its 11th year.
“I am never too busy to stop to answer a question or show someone else on the golf course how to make their game better. I am always there to give a good word to a youngster who may be having a bad day, whether on the golf course or in the classroom,” says Jeffries.
Among his extensive scoreboard of achievements are the U.S. Open Local Qualifying, where he was Low Medalist (64); the Advocates Pro Tour, the MENA Pro Golf Tour (Middle East North Africa); the Asian Tour Qualifying School and the PGA Latin America Qualifying School.
A Reign of Success
Jeffries gives thanks to God and his family for their continued support and the golf training at the Butch Harmon School of Golf, Dubai (UAE) with Coach Justin Parsons. “I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Tiger Woods as one of my great, all time role models in the game of Golf. It is his play and success in the game that inspired me to pick up a club in the beginning along with my dad. Rory McIlroy is another golfer I admire for his game.”
It’s quite clear that Jeffries knows his strengths and weaknesses and is working hard to become an overall better golfer. “My biggest challenge is the same as what most professional golfers on my level struggle with. I can strike the ball with the best; chip and putt with the best of them; however, my objective is to become more consistent. Being able to learn alongside some of the best players and teachers in the game has afforded me great potential for advancement, and a clear understanding of how to better my game.”
With over 20 years invested in playing golf, Jeffries’ passion for the game has become his significant purpose in life. “I continue my pursuit to play golf on the PGA Tour because I feel that I have a God-given talent to play the game and the work ethic to be successful.
