For Emrick Dammeier (‘25), golf is not just a sport; it is a state of mind, a tradition, and a lifelong dedication. Emrick, just 18 years old, has already been playing golf for 13 years. From small weekend trips with his dad to winning junior championships, golf has played a consistent grounding role within Emrick’s life that started because of a father-son trip taken when he was only five.
“I found my love for golf when my dad took me through the course when I was a little boy,” Emrick said. “I remember that I loved seeing the ball go so far.”
The fire that was ignited from those long drives of the ball by his dad has developed into a persistent, reliable presence on the golf course. Emrick’s play style is defined by his concentration and inner peace while playing, traits that those closest to Emrick on the course find easily identifiable.
“Emrick’s biggest strength is his attitude,” said Stephen Hebert, chair of the humanities department and head coach of boys’ Golf. “You can never tell what his day is going to be on the golf course. He may be five-under par or five-over par, and his attitude will always be the same. He stays cool, calm and collected regardless.”
That steady mindset has paid off time and time again like winning the Red Hill Country Club Junior Championship in 2022 and 2024 which made Emrick’s confidence within himself and in his playstyle skyrocket.
“I remember them being some of the best rounds of golf that I’ve ever played,” Emrick said. “I had an increase in confidence with each shot, and I think that helped boost my playing heading into the high school season, just seeing that I’m able to stay calm and compete the way I know that I can.”
While talent is often the obvious answer, what truly separates Emrick from other players in the league is his strategy. He’s always staying ahead of the game and the competition.
“I’d say my game plan is a huge advantage,” Emrick said. “I’m thinking ahead where I’m going to hit and how I’m going to shape the ball and if I do happen to get a poor hit, I remind myself I have the capability to stay in my mind and adjust.”
Outside of Webb golf, Emrick has a regular routine at the Red Hill Country Club. There he tries to play three to four times a week, trying to get in at least 9 holes. On the weekends when he’s free Emrick loves to spend a couple hours on the course with his dad, bonding over the thing they love most.
Reflecting back on his experience at Webb, Emrick credits golf for teaching him one lesson that is irreplaceable: patience.
“Believe that everything will be all right in its own time, “Emrick said. “Do your thing with practice and win games and let everything else work for itself.”
