196. Matthew Dodd-Berry Discusses College Golf and Playing in The Open

Johnson City Living

About the Guest:

Matthew Dodd-Berry: Matthew Dodd-Berry is a talented young golfer hailing from the Wirral in England. With a strong background in competitive golf, Matthew has excelled at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) under the guidance of Coach Jake Amos. He is now transitioning to Louisiana State University (LSU) to pursue his golfing career at a higher competitive level. Matthew’s achievements include making it to the national championships with ETSU, playing in the prestigious Open Championship, and establishing a robust reputation in the golfing community both in the UK and the US.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the podcast, Colin Johnson sits down with Matthew Dodd-Berry, an accomplished golfer from England who has recently made waves by participating in the Open Championship. Traveling all the way from the Wirral, Matthew shares insights into his journey from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) to joining Louisiana State University (LSU) for an exciting new chapter in his golfing career.

Matthew delves into the nuances of moving from a tightly-knit community in Johnson City to the bustling and competitive environment of Baton Rouge. He discusses the challenges and rewards of playing collegiate golf, his preference for the close-knit feel of ETSU, and his decisions that have paved the way for his transition to LSU. Furthermore, listeners get a rare glimpse into his experience at the Open Championship, ranging from the rigorous qualifications to the awe-inspiring moments playing alongside golfing legends like Scotty Scheffler.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition in Collegiate Golf: Matthew explains his move from ETSU to LSU and the factors that influenced his decision, including seeking a higher level of competition and the opportunity to play in the SEC.
• Golfing Beginnings and Family Influence: The episode explores Matthew's early introduction to golf, influenced by his grandmother, and his realization of his potential at a young age.
• Attitude and Mental Toughness: Matthew emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and mental resilience, both on the golf course and in life—echoing lessons taught by his coaches and experiences in competitive play.
• Open Championship Insights: Detailed recount of Matthew’s journey to the Open Championship, including overcoming the final qualifiers and playing against top golfers like Scotty Scheffler.
• Future Aspirations: Matthew shares his goals for the upcoming year, including winning more college tournaments and making another appearance at the Open Championship.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I think I made a good decision choosing golf [over football], you can play golf forever."
2. "People around me had told me that you need to go in there with an attitude of just, it's nothing special, just go there like you're trying to win."
3. "It's not about how we're playing right now, it's about how we play in post season."
4. "The pros aren't actually—they don't strike it as good as you think they would, but the six inches between their ears is where they really step ahead of everyone."
5. "If I hadn't made [that 15ft putt], I wouldn't have made it into the final qualifying and who knows what would have happened. I possibly wouldn't have played the Open."

Resources:

• Instagram: @matty_dodd_berry
• Twitter: @matty_dodd_berry

Enjoy the full episode to hear Matthew's journey firsthand and stay tuned for more insightful episodes from our series. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or looking for inspiration and life lessons from sports, this episode is sure to offer valuable insights.