LEROY — LeRoy’s Carter Timmerman is excited to take his golf career to the next level.
The son of Kelli Timmerman has committed to study and golf this coming school year at Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The college golf team competes in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.
“It is a big step for my golf career,” Timmerman said. “I can’t wait to meet my teammates and see what the competition is like in the OCAA and just get my name out there in Ontario. The school looks good too and I will get to live right on campus.”
Timmerman will have the chance to be a contributor for a revived Sault College golf program. The school won the national bronze medals in 2018, but, after one more season, took a hiatus.
“Having no returning athletes, we will rely on every golfer to play and contribute right from day one,” said Michael McMillan, the co-head coach of the team with Kyle Thibeault. “That is where we think Carter will be a great asset to our team. Seeing where his game is at and after having another summer of golf and practice under his belt, we believe he can be a big time impact player for us and within the OCAA come the fall.”
Recruiting
Timmerman’s profile on the Next College Student Athlete website, a college athletic recruiting network, attracted attention from Sault College as well as institutions across Canada and the United States. Of the recruitment process with the Sault College coaching staff, Timmerman said:
“We talked lots and connected in a lot of different ways and it just went from there. Golf scholarships in Canada aren’t that common and with COVID-19, I thought it was better if I stay in Canada and Sault Ste. Marie looks like a nice, small city. Plus, they have a lot of mills there and have the millwright program, so it is a perfect place to take my education.”
Timmerman said he enjoys mechanics and working with tools. He is looking forward to pursuing studies in and a career as a millwright because it “is a great trade to get into and there is a lot of opportunity to work as a millwright in different industries.”
The Sault College coaching staff connected with Timmerman and his family over Zoom. Those virtual discussions convinced them that he was the type of student-athlete they were looking for, McMillan said.
“We could tell through our conversations that Carter has dedication and passion for the game, which are key attributes we look for when recruiting. Carter and his family were very interested in the programs and housing that the school offered. That is another big key for us – knowing that the athlete is going to be invested in the schooling and is not just here for the sport.
“Having been former collegiate athletes, Kyle and I are aware that 99 per cent of student-athletes will go pro in something other than their sport. Carter seems to have the passion and awareness that first and foremost he will be here for schooling.
“Last but certainly not least, seeing Carters scores and finishes in tournaments made him extremely enticing for us to have as a member of our team. Seeing his swing videos and hearing all of the time he puts into the game, there was no question in us offering him a spot on our team.”
Family
Family has been a big part of Timmerman’s golf career and helped him earn an opportunity to play at Sault College. He started playing very young with his grandfather, John Cales.
“[He] has taught me a lot,” Timmerman said. “I have been golfing since I could stand so he has been coaching me a long time. We golf together all the time.”
His mom and grandmother, Elaine Cales, set up Timmerman’s NCSA account. He said his grandmother is “always looking for different events and ways to promote me in golfing.”
Regarding his mom, Timmerman said she is always cheering for him – even if she cannot be at all of the competitions in person with him and his grandparents.
“She works hard so that I can participate in all of these tournaments,” he said. “She organizes everything behind the scenes so we can focus on the golfing. She is learning the reason behind the expensive equipment and gadgets and how they benefit my game. She has always been a huge support for me.”
Success & Passion
Heading to Sault College is the next step in Timmerman’s pursuit of his passion for golf. Over the years he has earned some impressive placings. For example, in 2019, he placed fourth at the Saskatoon Junior Open and 10th at the prestigious Junior Lobstick. Timmerman won back-to-back Horizon Central Athletic Association golf championships in the 2018-2020 school years.
The Creek Golf Course at LeRoy Leisureland was where he got his start in the sport and remains his home course. Last year he worked at the Humboldt Golf Club. This past winter, he kept up his game by participating in a simulator league at the Humboldt Golf Club.
“I just really love the game and always try to beat my personal best and look for ways to get better at it, he said. “Every course plays so differently, and the weather makes it a different round every time too. I also get to travel around and golf in different places and get to see my aunts, uncles, and cousins too.
