When Tyler McCumber wants to get away from the golf course, he tackles the enormous swells on Barbados’ east coast at Bathsheba Beach.
Away from Barbados and back on the fairways, McCumber helps guide the Gators.
“The team is a huge priority in my life,” McCumber said. “I want our team to be organized and prepared for every tournament. It isn’t about how well I play, it’s about how well the team performs. We want team victories.”
McCumber’s maturation has not gone unnoticed. The senior has established himself among the most decorated players in the Southeastern Conference, garnering Division I PING Honorable Mention recognition and earning a selection to the PING All-Southeast Region team and All-SEC second team during his junior year.
“His maturity level has improved enormously,” coach Buddy Alexander said. “He grew into the player that he is now by virtue of the fact that he makes better decisions. He controls his emotions better and consequently he’s a much more consistent player.”
McCumber’s driving remains his strength, but he’s added another dimension — an improved short game.
During the season opener at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C., McCumber led the team in birdies with 10 for the three-round tournament. He credits Alexander’s emphasis on developing his chipping and putting.
“Since I’ve been here I’ve worked tremendously on my short game,” McCumber said. “Alexander stresses the importance of having a short game in golf. It’s like a Band-Aid for a bad day on the golf course.”
Alexander said McCumber has shortened his drives to improve accuracy, allowing him to hit the ball in the fairway more consistently.
“He’s a much straighter and shorter driver than he was as a freshman,” Alexander said. “His driving is a little shorter, but that’s OK. When you’re that long, you can certainly afford to give up 10 yards to get it into the fairway.”
Tyler’s father, Mark McCumber, also played an influential role in advancing his golf game. Mark played on the PGA Tour from 1979 to 1994 and Champions Tour from 2001 to 2008.
Tyler feels the Gators are talented enough to contend in both conference play and the NCAA Tournament if they continue to stay the course.
Florida’s next opportunity to prepare will be Sunday at the Illini Invitational in Olympia Fields, Ill.
“To be honest, I think all this team needs to do is take each day at a time,” Tyler said. “Prepare as much as we can so that when post-season rolls around we’re ready to go.”
Gators coach Buddy Alexander announced Tuesday that he will retire after the season ends.
