No matter the time of year, no matter the weather conditions, University of Virginia men’s golf coach Bowen Sargent knew he could count on at least one UVA student always swinging away on the driving range at Birdwood Golf Course.
That student, however, wasn’t a member of Sargent’s team. His continued presence was instead a source of motivation for the Cavaliers.
“I wanted our guys to take notice of this kid’s work ethic,” Sargent said. “They have a lot of perks that come with being a college golfer, but look at the passion and drive of this guy who is doing it without those advantages. I wanted them to take notice of that because it was admirable.”
The off-Grounds home course for both the UVA men’s and women’s golf teams, Birdwood also offers playing rates for those working for or attending the University. Paul Chang, “just a student” up until a few months ago, took full advantage of the discount on a seemingly daily basis over a two-year stretch.
“Even in December and January, when there’s usually no one out there, you’d see him,” Sargent said. “And he’s got a pretty good swing, so he’s pretty easy to spot.”
Sargent once had a distant view of Chang’s game. Now, he’s Chang’s coach.
Chang, a native of China who went to boarding school in England and played two seasons on UVA’s club golf team, is now competing on UVA’s nationally ranked varsity squad. The junior has already played in two multiple-team tournaments this fall, finishing among the top 12 individual players in both fields.