The Florida men’s golf team trailed in four out of its five matches at the 2023 SEC Championship match play quarterfinals. Facing Vanderbilt, the Gators were competing against one of the top teams in the nation at the time.
Florida made an incredible comeback on the back nine, tying Vanderbilt 2-2 with one match remaining. However, UF fell just short of qualifying for the semifinals despite showing an immense amount of fight and resilience in its late push.
It wasn’t the result the Gators were looking for, but Florida senior men’s golfer Ian Gilligan recalls the SEC Championship being a memorable experience. He had some of the most fun he’s ever had on a golf course, he said.
“All of a sudden, we went from having zero chance to a really good chance [of winning],” Gilligan said. “The amount of excitement that was in the air… was something I’ll never forget.”
Great golfing requires precise technique and physical prowess. But for Gilligan, staying mentally focused on the course is even more important.
Gilligan, one of Florida’s top golfers last season, keeps his composure by playing one hole at a time, taking mental breaks during competition and remaining in a patient state of mind.
One of the most valuable lessons Gilligan has taken away from his collegiate golf career is to avoid heavily emphasizing his results. Drowning your thoughts in the end result of a tournament can lead to a mental collapse on the course that generates a downward spiral, Gilligan said.
“Sometimes you just have to remind yourself [that] this is just golf,” Gilligan said. “Who cares if this is The Masters or if you’re playing with your buddies? You [have to] treat every shot the same.”
Gilligan focuses his mental energy on one hole at a time, he said. When he finishes playing one hole, he immediately moves on to the next without overthinking his prior performance. His mental fortitude allowed him to take his game to new levels throughout matches, regardless of how he may perform on an individual hole.
Staying composed on the course can be especially challenging when a match or tournament lasts several hours. Gilligan maintains his focus by diverting his thoughts away from the game of golf in between holes.
“Some people say you want to be fully focused for the entire round, but that’s unrealistic,” he said. “[In between shots] I’ll think about what I’m having for dinner or… what homework I have [to do].”
Gilligan utilized these mental tactics at the Western Amateur tournament this summer, one of the most competitive amateur golf tournaments in the world. The tournament opens with four cutoff rounds before beginning match play quarterfinals, which consists of 16 golfers.
Mental fatigue can take a toll on even the best professionals. Gilligan said he especially felt its effects during the semifinal and championship matches of the Western Amateur, which took place on the same day.
He played against some familiar faces in his final two matches: fellow Florida teammates Parker Bell and Jack Turner.
“[Turner and I] played 19 holes in the morning and we were out there for 12 hours,” Gilligan said. “It was nonstop golf, so it [was] pretty exhausting.”
In the championship match against Turner, who is also Gilligan’s roommate, he experienced firsthand how mental fatigue can affect his game. Gilligan had opportunities to win the match but was unable to close the way he had hoped.
The pair battled to the 29th hole, where Gilligan finally secured the championship.
“I had to remind myself that [I] can’t just focus on the outcome [because I’ll become] nervous over shots,” he said.
Gilligan takes inspiration from the game’s all-time greats: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The senior hopes to emulate and balance their qualities within himself.
“[Woods] is the best golfer that’s ever played,” Gilligan said. “The focus that he had… was second to none. Mickelson, too. He seemed to always have a good time on the golf course.”
He had the opportunity to play alongside teammates throughout his first season at UF who have faced similar mental hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
Former Gator John DuBois was a key member of Florida’s 2023 national championship team. But his rise to success didn’t come without inconsistent play and mental challenges.
“I just had to take a step back and realize that it’s going to be OK,” DuBois said. “It’s not the end of the world and just [try to] smile a little more.”
Florida men’s golf head coach J.C. Deacon believes Gilligan’s presence is vital to team success. Gilligan provides a strong work ethic and possesses a constant desire to learn and improve, he said.
“He’s been the most perfect fit we could have ever imagined,” Deacon said. “He brings the scores, gets his work done in the classroom and brings it in the gym.”
Deacon also appreciates Gilligan’s sense of humor and relaxed attitude on the course.
“I really enjoy his personality,” Deacon said. “A lot of kids play with a burden, but [for him] it's kind of the opposite.”
Gilligan’s main goal heading into his 2024-25 campaign is to avoid placing too much focus on his results. He’s aware that said results can directly affect his PGA Tour University ranking.
These rankings can determine the futures of graduating golfers, but Gilligan wants to take things slowly.
“It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly getting wrapped up in [individual tournament results],” he said. “Staying in the moment and focusing on… my practice and what I do at home to prepare for events… that’s my number one goal.”
Contact Aiden Wacksman at awacksman@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter at @aidenwacksman.
