Collin Haag

Collin Haag, ’17, his father and his brother would sit around the television to watch golf tournaments for hours on end, enjoying watching the sport as well as playing it.

At the age of 8, Haag realized that he wanted to start playing the game. Golf has always been a part of his life because his older brother played and his father plays occasionally.

“When I was 8, every Sunday my dad would take me out to play golf with him and my brother,” said Haag.

Haag said that he looks up to his father in more ways than one.

“I don’t think that I have a famous golf idol, I just enjoyed learning how to play from my dad. It made it more personal,” said Haag.

Haag is dedicated to his sport and loves it. He had family influences but also a natural interest. Once he began, he wanted to continue practicing. He still practicing constantly.

Robby Pickett, ’16, Haag’s roommate and teammate, started playing at a young age and continues playing at Allegheny.

“He hits it long and attacks pins. He is an emotional player,” said Pickett. “His demeanor is often nonchalant when playing otherwise.”

Haag, along with his teammates, practice Monday through Friday. They are always trying to improve their game.

By practicing daily, Haag has improved his game. He is currently third on the team.

“Collin plays aggressively. It’s incredibly fun to watch not only because he hits the ball a country mile but follows it up with a great short game. You never know what you’ll get from Collin which is so fascinating about his game. He’s definitely a pick in anyone’s dream four someday,” said Dan Neidermire, ’18.

Haag said one of his favorite golf memories is when he participated in and won his first golf tournament when he was 12 years old.

Haag then joined a school golf team as soon as he could. He joined the Central Catholic men’s golf team during his freshman year of high school.

Throughout high school and his younger years, Haag claims that he may have put a few dents in some houses and cars. Golfers are told to go up to the front door of the house or car they hit and tell the owners what happened and apologize. Haag admitted to never doing that; he would just keep playing and pretended like it never happened.

Haag has one more year to play at Allegheny College. He has considered golfing professionally once he graduates college but it has never been his first plan, even though playing in the Masters Tournament has always been a dream of his.

“It was hard to watch,” Haag said. “I am a Jordan [Spieth] fan and with him having a chance to become only one of a few people to win back to back Masters it was difficult to see him have some unfortunate breaks with only 9 holes left.”

Haag does not know what the future has in store for him, but he knows that if he does not golf professionally, he will continue golfing in his free time.

The men’s golf team plays the first two rounds of NCAC Championships on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 in Hiram, Ohio.