Despite the increased number of junior golf players across the U.S in recent years, the commonality of high schools putting together a competitive golf team remains improbable. At NC though, the Warrior golf team boasts one of the top-ranked players in the state of Georgia who recently decided to take his talents to the next level. Senior Cooper Tendick officially signed to compete at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida, on February 2. Tendick’s decision capped an already successful high school career and sets the 2021 region runner up for a promising senior year. 

“I chose West Florida because they are a Top 10 team in the nation in D2 and they have a great team. It also helps that it is 10 minutes from the beach and has warm weather most of the time. I think the most exciting thing about playing at the next level is the competition and how hard it is going to push me to get better,” Tendick said. 

West Florida competes in the Gulf South Conference at the Division 2 level and ranks within the top ten nationally for Division 2 schools. Tendick held several offers and opportunities from colleges around the country which made the final verdict difficult. Tendick shared that he almost signed to play at Reinhardt University but decided to hold off and contemplate his bright future. Luckily for him, West Florida offered a couple of days later and swayed his commitment. 

Tendick began his golf career at the age of 14 by playing courses with his father and sister, immediately falling in love with the sport. As the Kennesaw native went through his junior career, he quickly saw expedient improvement which led to impressive results. In Tendick’s junior year of high school, he placed second in the Region tournament and tied for fifth overall in the 7A State playoffs. Tendick received honors as a 7A All-State team member and received the NC Vardon award. He also placed second in the Nick Falcon National event, losing in a tight playoff race, and also competed in the Jones Cup Junior Invitational. Tendick credits much of his recent success to the efforts of his personal coaches and NC head golf coach Rus Rainey. 

“Coach Rainey has given me a lot of opportunities in high school golf and really helped me become the person I am today. I definitely couldn’t have reached the point I’m at now without him, but we still have work to do,” Tendick said. 

As Tendick enters the 2022 high school season, he plans to use the hard work he put in over the offseason to his advantage. Tendick’s weekly schedule consists of three heavy weight lifting sessions and about ten hours of combined practice with three rounds of golf. Tendick also noted that stretching and recovery modalities greatly benefit his game. After a top five finish in last year’s state championship and plenty of hard work on the course, Tendick holds one goal on his mind: first place. 

“I am most excited for the State Championship as I’m going to have a great shot at winning it, but also I can’t wait for the GA vs. SC high school match play championship as well as the North vs. South match,” Tendick said. 

As the clock finally winds down towards graduation, Tendick holds his last opportunity to add on to his illustrious high school career and leave a legacy for future NC golf players.

“If I could say anything to my freshman self it would be to not take anything for granted and just get 1% better every day,” Tendick said.