Golf | April 19, 2024

It is not uncommon for athletes to travel a few states over to continue pursuing a sport they love. In Rory McDonald O'Brien's case, he took it a step further and moved to an entirely new country.
 
McDonald O'Brien is originally from England, but he made the trip to the University of South Carolina Aiken to pursue his love of golf. Many people he knew from home told him that if he wanted to take golf seriously, he would need to move to the United States. He did just that.
 
McDonald O'Brien started playing golf when he was only three years old. Playing sports was very common in his family. His grandfather was the person who introduced him to golf, but his parents also played sports. His father played cricket, his mother played tennis, and his sister also plays golf. He played soccer, cricket, and tennis growing up, but he ultimately stuck to his love of golf.
 
McDonald O'Brien credits his family the most for helping him get where he is today. He praises his sister because he wants to make sure he is caught up with her when it comes to skill level. He also gives credit to his parents because of all the support they have given him on his journey.
 
Why exactly would someone need to move to a new country to play a sport they have already been playing for their entire life? McDonald O'Brien says the biggest reason is the culture surrounding sports in the United States.
 
"In England, golf was not included in school," said McDonald O'Brien. "I would be in school until 6 p.m. every single day and would have to find extra time to play golf after that."
 
He said the culture back home was more "academic-based," and the culture around sports in the United States is much more passionate. The weather in Aiken has been very pleasant for him, and he also loves the competitive environment revolving around all sports, including golf.
 
He found the University of South Carolina Aiken specifically because of the team's history of success. At the time, the Pacers were ranked number one nationally at the Division II level, and he wanted to become part of history.
 
"There are times that I do miss being home," said McDonald O'Brien. "However, I do enjoy my time in Aiken."
 
He knew he would be playing a lot of golf when he moved here, but he has not enjoyed it any less than when he started playing. He is now in his sophomore year, and he feels that everything has improved since his freshman year.
 
His favorite memory to date is winning the Cleveland Golf Palmetto Intercollegiate tournament this season.
 
"This team is really special. I think we have a good chance of going far this postseason," said McDonald O'Brien.
 
McDonald O'Brien plans to play professional golf after graduation. In his free time, he enjoys watching and playing other sports with other members of the team.