Despite just turning 15, Ty Smock is the No. 1-ranked player in the San Diego Junior Golf Association’s boys 15 to 18 division. In November, Ty will be named player of the year for the San Diego Junior Golf Association.
Ty is a Coronado native and will attend Coronado High School for his first year this fall.
It runs in the family
His father, Brian Smock, is a former PGA Tour player and the head golf instructor at Coronado Golf Course. Ty’s great uncle, Ernie Gonzalez, was a successful PGA Tour member. It’s safe to say golf runs in the family, but only by choice.
Brian Smock fell in love with the game watching his Uncle Ernie. Ty is painting a similar picture himself, following in the footsteps of his Dad.
Brian avoided pushing Ty to play golf, instead letting him gravitate to the game.
“He grew up playing all the other sports just like anyone else. But then at a certain point, he got captivated,” said Brian.
A new arrival to the 15 to 18 age group, Ty is among the youngest competitors in this league. Despite this, he welcomes the challenge with open arms.
“The competition is better because kids are already committed to college. I like competing against them because it shows me how good I am,” said Ty.
Next Rory McIlroy?
He models his game off his favorite player, Rory McIlroy, and it’s easy to see why. Ty has developed an effortless swing, as noted by his father.
“He has an amazing swing. It’s kind of like a textbook modern swing. He can also create power that kids his size and age can’t.”
-Brian Smock, father of Ty Smock
“He has an amazing swing. It’s kind of like a textbook modern swing. He can also create power that kids his size and age can’t,” he said.
Despite his incredible talent, Brian believes Ty’s most significant advantage lies within.
“He puts in the time and effort, you know; he’s self-motivated,” said Brian. At the end of the day, it’s like anything else; it’s what you put into it. He puts the time in and he’s got the talent—a great combination.”
Ty possesses a great deal of talent at a young age. Ty has been playing in older age groups to increase his level of competition. He cannot win every round, which his dad believes is a good thing.
“Sometimes it’s good not to have that initial success; you have to keep working at it. He’s got a bunch of second, third and fourth place finishes this year,” said Brian. “He knows he’s super close; regardless, he’s put together a great year.”
College recruitment on the horizon
Colleges are keeping a close eye on Ty. Nonetheless, Ty chooses to tune out the noise.
“I still have a little ways to go until I can start getting recruited by colleges,” said Ty.
Regardless of Ty’s No. 1 ranking and the interest he’s generating from colleges, he can play without pressure.
“The only pressure I face is on the first tee. After my first shot, I’m good,” said Ty.
Perhaps the only pressure Ty deals with is trying to beat his dad. While Ty has yet to defeat his father in a round of 18, he’s getting darn close.
“The last time we played, he kicked my butt for nine holes,” said Brian.
The day is quickly approaching. But when will this day come?
“Very soon,” answered Ty.
