Matthew's Game, Body Continue To Grow

The transformation began last spring.

Roseville senior Sam Matthew has been around golf all his life, and in five years on the Raiders’ varsity boys golf team coach Ralph Sibbet said he’s noticed Matthew’s gift of poise and well-crafted shots on the course.

But Matthew was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease as an eighth grader, which affected his body’s growth. After undergoing colon surgery in February 2010, his frame—and his golf game—has grown by unfathomable amounts.

Last year as a junior, Matthew finished tied for 10th at the Class AAA state tournament. As a senior, his average drive catapulted by 40 to 50 yards.

Why?

“I gained 50 pounds and three or four inches, which is amazing,” Matthew said. “I’m liking it a lot. This is the first year I’ve been able to hit the ball really far.”

The Raiders’ standout isn’t looking back. Matthew is currently ranked fifth in Class AAA, averaging 71.5 strokes per round. He’s transformed from a first-time state participant a year ago who admittedly played like he “had nothing to lose” into a viable contender for a state championship.

Sibbet said Matthew has the type of demeanor on the course that makes a golfer competitive. He controls his ball, takes the game seriously and combines great touch with soft hands. It’s what caught the eye of the University of North Dakota, where Matthew plans to play next year.

“He’s got a passion for golf; he lives for golf,” Sibbet said. “He’s fun to watch.”

But golf was secondary a year ago.

Last February, Matthew’s surgery attempted to help alleviate Crohn’s Disease’s nourishment effects on his body. According to mayoclinic.com, the disease can cause malnourishment, which Matthew said in his case affected his growth.

This year, Matthew’s new frame has helped him earn medalist honors at four events this year, including all three Suburban East Conference meets—finishing with rounds of 71, 70 and 71.

Sibbet said Matthew has a plan of attack each time he hits the course. Matthew said playing daily after school and continuing to work on his short game has helped him as he elevated into Class AAA’s top five golfers.

As the postseason inches closer, he’s got his sights set on a repeat trip to state. He said he learned last year that even with the large crowds watching and the best in the state as his competition, the pressure didn’t affect his performance.

“I’m pretty good at that,” Matthew said. “I don’t get too worked up about my golf game.”

Sibbet said Matthew’s game is even stronger this season than it was as a state participant a year ago, which bodes well for a top 10 finisher still chasing a state title.

“Now he can hit long enough to keep up with most others,” Sibbet said. “That makes the difference, and his scores have shown that.”

Class AAA's Top 5 Golfers (As of May 14)

1. Austin Wilson (Eden Prairie) 69.2 avg.

2. Bennett Schroeder (Eden Prairie) 70.0 avg.

3. Tyler Lowenstein (Wayzata) 70.2 avg.

4. McCabe Buege (Rogers) 70.6 avg.

T5. Max Tylke (Eastview) 71.5 avg.

T5. Sam Matthew (Roseville Area) 71.5 avg.

*Source: Minnesota Golf Coaches Association