At 20-years young, 5’9” tall and 144 pounds, golfer Larry Branch II can be described as a lean, mean, well-oiled machine. A single professional in his prime, the Little Rock, Arkansas native relocated several years ago to Plano, Texas for educational reasons and to be closer to family. Following the move he easily expanded his base of friends and began accumulating some great golfing memories.
However, it was by happenstance that Branch even got involved in the game of golf.
“I first was introduced to golf when I randomly found a golf bag with clubs inside. I picked up the 7 iron and, seemingly, I never put it down,” he recalls with a chuckle.
Since that day Branch has continued to keep his golf clubs readily available for use.
The readiness paid off, too. Branch enjoyed his very first Hole-In One in September of this year, (pictured left), at Castle Hills Golf Club, Lewisville, TX.
“It was a 228 yard, par 3 pin, located in back left. Everyone at the tee box hit a 3 or 4 iron. I swallowed my pride and hit my choke down 5 wood. It was a hard power fade that hit the green and rolled out for about 12 feet to the hole. We all stood and watched it go right in. WOW, that was a great feeling.”
As a member of the North Texas Junior Golf Association (NTPGA), an organization committed to introducing and promoting the game of golf to children of all ages and backgrounds throughout north Texas, Branch thrived back in 2008 when he joined. “Jordan Speith has participated in this organization when he lived here in Dallas,” says Branch who now plays rounds with some of his many friends from high school, along with other individuals who work in the golf business and surround him. Usually, he can get out on his home course, Watters Creek Golf Club, Plano, TX, to play about 4-5 rounds per month. But being a full-time college student studying political science at Texas A&M in Corpus Christi, it’s challenging; not to mention that he is also currently working on his certification to become a paralegal.
However, the love of the game keeps pulling him forward. “I love playing because getting better is a great feeling, and getting to challenge myself is always fun and rewarding.”
Branch has come a long way from that first day of discovering golf clubs in a bag. His instructor, Carlos Brown, listed as one of Golf Digest’s best young golf instructors, has been pivotal in helping Branch develop his skills.
“Working with Carlos, is a huge hit; knowing his background and the top people that he’s worked with over the years encourages me to play my best.” Says Brown who enjoys Brown’s style of teaching. “I owe my ball striking skills to Carlos Brown.”
“Working with Brown has benefited me, because I now understand how— and why, the club has to be in correct places throughout the swing… knowing how the swing works is good, because if something happens you can easily correct it yourself, all because you know how the swing works.”
Larry Branch II with David Duval, former World No. 1 Golfer on the PGA Tour.
Nike Golf Pro Staffer Paul Casey is highly admired by Branch, who sees Casey as the best ball striker when he’s on top of his game. “The reason being is because my iron fundamentals are from Paul Casey, when it comes to his iron play, I try to study it—not copy— but study it.
Branch is committed to being a better player and is motivated to stay focused on every shot, during every round.
When he’s not on the golf course, his passion turns to politics: “I’m paying close attention to politics. Currently the 2016 Presidential Race is my ‘go to’ source. I wish there was a bigger audience of younger individuals who shared an interest in politics because our generation is next in leading this country.”
Branch is definitely right on track for golf and for life.
