Watson grows into leading role

When Carmel golfer Jack Watson entered high school four years ago, he was about 5-foot-3 and 110 pounds.

"I was a short, little piece of (garbage)," he said.

At 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds Watson is still smaller than some of his peers, but he's become a big deal in high school and junior golf.

Already this season, Watson, a senior, has fired a 33 in a nine-hole match. Since the last high school golf season ended, he's won an International Junior Golf Tour event and made the cut at the Western Junior Golf Tournament. He's also been a fixture on the leader board at American Junior Golf Association events.

"He had a monster summer," said Brett Packee," Watson's swing coach and the 2008 IPGA Teacher of the Year. "The more success he has, the more he wants. He keeps trying to get better."

Watson has gained about 20 yards with his driver. He averages about 275 yards off the tee, which has allowed him to do more pin-hunting on approach shots.

"I used to have a swing where I lost power (at impact)," he said. "I've worked so hard on my swing."

Added Packee: "We've worked on developing a more consistent swing that relies less on timing and tempo and more on repetition."

Watson enjoys the process of improving. He enjoys grinding it out on the driving range, the short-game area and the putting green. All that hard work gives him a boost in competition.

"I have a ton more confidence in my game, (especially) my chipping and putting," he said.

Packee said Watson's work ethic is something to behold. Packee is used to receiving phone calls or text messages from Watson before the sun rises and after it sets.

"He works harder than anyone I've taught," Packee said. "He puts into his game what Division I college All-Americans do."

And his game has certainly caught the attention of college coaches.

After shooting a two-day total of 154 at last year's state meet, Watson was not really on their radar. But that all changed over the winter and summer. Now, there is no question Watson is a big-time recruit.

In fact, he takes his first official visit today to Kansas State. Watson also has received plenty of interest from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Miami University (Ohio) and Baylor.

"The whole recruiting experience has been so interesting," Watson said.

Of course, Watson has plenty that he wants to accomplish at the high school level before he starts focusing on college goals.

He knows this should be the best Carmel team he's played on. He wants to see the Corsairs qualify for the state tournament as a team.

"I would have liked to have had the team at state last year," he said. "I think we're a ton better this year. Leading our team down there as a senior would be an unbelievable experience."