Clemson golf’s Jonathan Nielsen plays in his first 2023 season match this weekend. With head coach Jordan Byrd and his teammates rallying behind him, the Copenhagen, Denmark, native is ready to make his mark on Clemson athletics.
Nielsen was just five years old when he picked up the game of golf. Now, he holds the course record of 63 (-9) at the Atlanta National Golf Club, which he set in fall 2021.
Due to the lack of collegiate sports in Europe, Nielsen knew that American college athletics would allow him to continue his education while playing golf. The senior first landed a spot at Division II Carson-Newman in Tennessee, but after entering the transfer portal in 2021, he was contacted by Clemson.
The transition from Denmark to America was no easy feat. Having to adjust to being far from home, Nielsen is thankful for his three brothers, who also moved to the States to pursue collegiate golf.
“There was a big culture shock from living in Northern Europe to living in the South. But now I have adapted; I like country music and even say y’all,” Nielsen told The Tiger in an interview.
Now that he’s a Tiger, Nielsen is locked in for the season, which takes place from September to May. For this weekend’s opening tournament at Tennessee, Nielsen has a lot of confidence.
“I have played a lot of golf lately, so I know where my strengths and weaknesses are right now. My irons and wedges are giving me lots of birdie opportunities,” he said. “Tennessee National has bentgrass greens, which is my preferred grass, which will help me feel even more comfortable.”
With a lengthy season ahead, the communication major knows he has to play the long game in order to be successful, even after college. Nielsen has hopes to eventually join the PGA Tour.
“My goals off the course are growing as a leader and being independent for my future career. I want to utilize all the resources I have been given such as mental coaching, strength and conditioning, and all of the facilities to prepare for my professional career.”
As for now, Nielsen credits his coach for the Tigers’ golf game.
“Coach Byrd often talks about the process,” says Nielsen. “Coach is eagerly learning the ways he can get the most out of every player on and off the course. We recently went on a team bonding trip to Nantahala, North Carolina, which was a positive experience to strengthen and understand the team’s dynamic.”
Clemson’s five-man roster for the four-round Tennessee intercollegiate tournament will be a force to be reckoned with this weekend. Nielsen and his teammates push each other to get better with every match, thanks to an even mix of veteran and new Tigers.
“The team as a whole is looking really competitive. We’re young, ambitious players who want to represent Clemson in the best way possible,” he said.
The Tigers will play four regular-season team events in September and October and the remaining seven tournaments in the spring.
Looking forward to this season, Nielsen is determined that his team has what it takes. As a newly-joined member of the squad, he is full of ambition and confidence for his program.
“Of course, the team goal is to play in the national championships. We truly believe we can win if we stay committed to the process.”
