We had a chance to catch up with Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy graduate and current professional golfer Matt Fry.
Matt attended GGGA for his senior year of high school and was part of the graduating class of 2010. GGGA helped Matt go on to Towson University where he played on their golf team. After his Freshmen year, Matt was offered a golf scholarship towards his Bachelors in Business Administration, with a focus in Management. Matt graduated in May of 2014 and is currently playing golf professionally.
First, what brought you to GGGA?
Before I started as a junior golfer at the academy, I would play against GGGA students and they were always outperforming me – his students are so successful. That’s what drew me to GGGA originally.
How do you feel GGGA prepared you for University?
Personal responsibility and time management. GGGA teaches you how to balance each day – between academics and athletics. There are more expectations in college and I went in prepared to handle the balance of study, practice and the social aspects. At GGGA, you learn to do things without your parents and that level of accountability was a lesson that served me well in college.
How was your college experience?
It was a really positive experience. I played a lot of golf and I was a consistent player. As a team, we traveled – I got to see California, Mexico, and Ireland. It was a lot of fun to experience and I met so many great people through golf and academics. The only downside I can name was how cold it would get in Maryland!
What is post-college life like for you?
After college, I decided that I wanted to keep pursuing golf but on a professional level. I’m 24 now and spend most of my time training to be a pro. I’ve also been doing some business consulting for golf training, which is a great blend of my degree and passion.
Tell us about your professional track and how you train.
I moved back to Florida in December of 2015. I knew I wanted to play at my best, so I reached out to Coach Gary Gilchrist to train with him at the GGGA facilities again. I spend most of all my mornings practicing, sometimes training in the evenings. I’m in the gym three times a week and have been working with GGGA’s Fitness Coach Trevor Hypolite for about a year now as well.
Why do you choose to train with Coach Gary Gilchrist?
Training with Gary is amazing. He has a simple approach. He is so knowledgeable and makes the game easy to understand. He is incredibly talented at identifying a player’s potential – finding a players strengths and weaknesses. He has this ability to really create a huge belief in yourself. I have to work on my desire to be a perfectionist, which Gary understands completely. Gary is a perfectionist – but he doesn’t try to make you perfect.
How has the last year been going?
I’m having a really great year. I play in Moonlight Tours and the Florida Professional Golf Tour. I’ve had three Moonlight victories in the last year since being back with Gary and I was first alternate for the US Open Sectional Qualifying. I’ve learned a lot about how to prepare and practice properly and the level of commitment and acceptance the game of golf needs. I love golf. I love the challenge of the game. In the end, it’s up to you, and golf is all about finding what works for you.
