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06/11/2024 12:04 PMIt is almost ironic that Joe Robinson’s favorite aspect about the sport of golf is the nature of solitude it presents. That is because he has cornered himself a reputation as a tireless leader who always puts his close friends and teammates before himself.
The Branford senior grew up playing baseball and soccer while learning the game of golf through his father during that time frame. Along the way while picking up football his sophomore year in the absence of soccer, he became a four-year member of the Hornets’ golf team and served as a senior captain this past spring for Branford on the links.
“I always liked being by myself out there on the course. It’s almost like a cool mind game. It’s also nice because I do not have to worry about anyone else when I am playing,” says Joe. “I think what helped me was playing golf at a young age and just getting out there and swinging a club around. My dad was a big help and always pushed me. Another help has been [Branford golf Head Coach Jen Kohut]. She helped me more with my head as a golfer and helped me to cool down and keep composure when things were not going my way.”
Piloting the Hornets on the green this spring, Joe remembered how he had to find his place within the program when he came aboard as a rookie. The recollection helped him become an ideal role model to the younger teammates and someone to always turn to for advice.
“Being a captain meant a lot to me because I remember when I was a freshman and struggled fitting in,” Joe says. “But then as I got older, I realized I could be a captain myself. It was so great to be a captain, and I just tried to lead by example out there. I just tried to be nice and respectful on the course. With high school golf, it is such a small team, so you have to keep close with your peers and teammates because you are out there with only four other guys.”
Joe’s coach instilled a crucial component of a successful golfer when it comes to silencing any negative chatter between the ears. He learned how to leave the past in the past and always have a mindset fortified for the future.
“With my mental game, Coach Kohut taught me to not focus on the bad shots,” Joe says. “She told me that one good shot can fix two bad ones. After you make a bad shot, you cannot go back, so there is no sense dwelling on it.”
Joe’s short game has been his greatest asset to driving down his scores. And while his approach around the yard has helped it during match play, he has additionally taken it to the tee to produce greater power.
“I feel I am really good around the greens,” says Joe. “I was never a big guy in terms of power and my drive where I could drive it far. I am always practicing chipping shots around my yard. My weakness if I had one I would say is my driver. I have fixed it, though, with time on the driving range and working on it with my dad.”
While helping to harness a sounder mind, Kohut has seen the monumental metamorphosis in Joe’s swagger in his swing and overall demeanor. He has carved out a reputation as someone who will always drive down the stroke total for his team while being a consummate and selfless steward to his squad.
“I have watched Joe grow from an inexperienced freshman golfer into a confident senior golf captain,” says Kohut. “Joe's game has steadily improved over the years, and he has become the solid go-to golfer on the team. We always know that Joe will come in with a low number. He always has put the team before himself and strives to make his teammates feel comfortable and valued. Joe is a thoughtful leader who has his coaches' full respect. Joe's energy and easy-going attitude have served him well over the years. Joe Robinson has left the Branford golf program better than he found it.”
The feeling is mutual, as Joe has seen the maturation process that has taken place in him over the last four spring seasons. He has discovered that quitting and giving in is never an option in life when the world seems to be working against him, as resilience is the greatest tool to get any job done.
“Branford golf helped me grow as a person,” Joe says. “It helped me mature, and the people above me and the captains before me helped me in terms of setting the expectations as a captain. Through my time at Branford, I learned how to manage everything, and it also taught me perseverance. There will always be times when stuff does not go your way, but you just have to bounce back and get things done.”