GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - A standout golfer on the campus of Southwestern University, Christian Rodriguez is continuing to add to his list of accomplishments in his amateur golf career, finishing in a tie for second at the Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, Texas. Since graduating from Southwestern, Rodriguez has made the jump to the Division I level, continuing his graduate education at the University of Texas-San Antonio while playing golf for the Roadrunners.
The inaugural Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest is a televised amateur invitational spotlighting the talents of top college-aged golfers from diverse backgrounds. The 54-hole stroke play event featured concurrent championships for exceptional fields of 21 men and 21 women. The tournament debuted with 3 days of live coverage on GOLF Channel.
The tournament was put on by the "I am a Golfer" foundation in partnership with Southwest Airlines. "The I Am a Golfer Foundation (IAMGF) was established in 2018 with the mission to be a catalyst for community renewal and transformation in South Dallas through the Programming, Preservation, and Promotion of the historic Cedar Crest Golf Course. IAMGF's belief is that the promotion of the sport and activity to diverse and historically underserved communities will have an impact beyond the course and into the daily lives of those reached by its initiatives." - iamagolfer.com
Rodriguez was invited to join the tournament because of his status as an elite minority golfer in the country.
"They knew who I was and I got connected with the tournament sponsors through a friend of mine at Howard University. It was obviously a huge opportunity for exposure and to get experience in a big tournament atmosphere with cameras, and full coverage on Golf Channel. It was a no-brainer so I jumped right on it," explains Rodriguez.
Upon arriving at Cedar Crest Rodriguez's emotions were filled with excitement but also the anxiety of playing on a big stage.
"The atmosphere was intense and it was kinda scary to start out with. They wanted us to wear our college gear so I am out there representing myself and also UTSA in a big event. You have to kinda get used to the elements, all I wanted to do was hit good golf shots to start out the tournament and I was happy I did that."
Hitting good golf shots was all Rodriguez did in his first round, carding the lowest round of the tournament, racking up eight birdies, finishing with a 65 on the first day, and taking the lead after the first round.
"I really liked the par fives and I putt well on the par fours in the first round, I came out hot and was making every putt I looked at. The course suited my game well. The cameras came to me on the second day so there was a lot of pressure, sleeping on the lead is one of the hardest things to do in golf no matter what round it is. I was streaky in the second round and hit some not-so-great shots, but surviving was key and I wasn't upset with a +1, 72," recaps Rodriguez.
Anyone watching the broadcast might not have taken notice of his caddy, but anyone who knows the Rodriguez family knew it was his father Charles Rodriguez who was on the bag for Chrisitan in an undoubtedly special week for the duo.
"He wasn't originally going to caddy for me, but I was on the range and he was there with me and I realized I wanted him there on the course. It made me a lot more comfortable with him being there throughout, he knows my game so well, he calmed me down, it's a lonely game if you're out there by yourself but having him there was great. He was worn out by the end of the tournament, he worked hard for me that's for sure."
In the final round, Rodriguez, with the help of his father, bounced back and shot a -2, 69 with four birdies on the last eleven holes, securing a tie for second place at Cedar Crest.
"My mindset the last day was to go out there, be aggressive, and keep hitting good golf shots. I hadn't been playing well this fall so to get a good result this week was a really cool experience."
Head Pirates Golf Coach Greg Sigler made sure to follow Rodriguez throughout the tournament. "I was happy that Christian had the opportunity to play in the Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest. I really enjoyed watching him on the Golf Channel telecast and to see him in contention was even better. I think this will be an experience that he will remember and I hope will give him the confidence that he can compete at the highest level. I look forward to following his career and seeing where golf takes him next!"