Caden Cannon has his dad to thank for introducing him to the game of golf. At only 4-years old, he loved watching Tiger Woods on TV and enjoyed growing up in the Queen City of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mostly, he favored having a lot of nice area golf courses to practice and play on.
Now residing in O’Fallon, Illinois, Caden is not a member of any golf clubs, yet he proudly plays at a .5 handicap — yes, less than 1. He makes time to play rounds at his home course, Far Oaks Golf Club in Caseyville, IL, and caddied at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis for the past year. Caden participated in the PGA Jr League in 2018, leading his team to a Regional win (2020) to contend in the Sectional Championship in New Orleans.
“I mostly play by myself or just partner with someone on the course,” says the Township High School student who enjoys studying sociology. Caden admits, “I just fell in love with the game at a young age. It’s very challenging and you get to meet interesting people.”
This fall season the National Honor Society Member competed in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sanctioned tournaments with limited participation this year due to some of their playing rules. “I won my high school individual conference title and finished top 25 individually at the state tournament,” says Caden who has also won multiple high school tournaments this year. The avid golfer finished 13th at the 2021 Mac Champ Invitational and placed 3rd in the 2021 St. Louis Jr Invitational.
Lee Elder, in 1975, became the first Black player to compete in the Masters Tournament. In 2021 he will join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as an honorary starter. Hanging out with him a few years ago was a one of the best golf days I can remember..Just check my smile! ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/OsIQ3RQI5m
— Caden Cannon (@CadenCannon3) November 13, 2020
Moreover, Caden made 5 rounds under par this high school season including a 66 on Day 1 of the conference championship and additional highlights of his golfing skills includes:
- 3-time All-Conference selection
- 2-time St. Louis Post Dispatch All Area Golfer
- IHSA Sectional 3rd place medalist (2020)
- 2-time IHSA State Tournament Individual Qualifier
- Kappa Alpha Psi – Guideright Participant (2 years)
Caden credits his robust golfing skills to the quality instruction he receives from his swing coach Doug Schulte of Back Spin Golf. The O’Fallon, IL coach has helped Caden hone his abilities for the past 5 years. Most recently in his golfing success, Caden has signed on with Florida A&M Athletic.
“Doug has not only helped me with the technical aspect of my swing, but he also helps me with mental preparation, encouragement, and fitness.”
When on the course, Caden says his biggest challenge surrounds “Beating the course every time I play.”
When Caden is not relaxing, listening to music or working out he says, “I love to compete,” and being on the golf course striking balls keeps him mentally and physically challenged every time.
Stay up to date with Caden on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CadenCannon3.
