Development has never been all about lowering his scores on the course for the University of Rhode Island third-year golfer Josiah Tong; it has also been about a constant change and improvement in his mentality and leadership.
The third-year was newly named the assistant captain of the Rams golf team on March 1. Tong explained that the biggest difference between the player he was as a freshman and the one he is now all comes down to having a calmer headspace.
“Looking at my freshman year, I didn’t really know what to expect with college golf, and I got off to a rocky start,” Tong said. “My headspace when I’m on the course compared to what it used to be. I think that’s what’s improved the most.”
Tong’s growth has correlated with a productive collegiate career. As a freshman, he was able to average 73.9 strokes per round while also earning the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week award late in the spring season.
During his sophomore year, Tong proved his consistency, helping Rhode Island capture multiple team titles. Tong put together a great individual season last year as well, posting three top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place showing at the Sacred Heart Fall Classic.
Now in his third year at URI, Tong has played a key role in several Rhode Island victories. He finished eighth at the Wykagyl Collegiate and tied for fifth at the Ryan T. Lee Memorial Collegiate.
One of Tong’s most memorable moments of this season came in the fall, when the Rams held a small lead late in a tournament. When the team’s advantage briefly slipped away, Tong delivered two clutch shots to help secure the win for Rhode Island.
“I made about a 20-foot putt for par on hole 17 to keep us tied,” Tong said. “Then on 18, I sunk another 20-footer for birdie and we ended up winning by one.”
Despite the continuous statistical improvement, Tong believes his development off the course has been equally important.
“As a student athlete, it’s really difficult to try to balance school with athletics,” Tong said. “I try to get everything done ahead of time, so I don’t have to worry about it during the tournament. If I can clear my headspace, I’m able to play more freely.”
This level of maturity is what Tong believes helped him earn a leadership role with the golf program, more than what he has been able to accomplish on the golf course.
“I don’t think my play is the reason [Head Coach Gregg Burke] selected me to be in a leadership position,” Tong said. “Leadership has less to do with play and more about demeanor and your willingness to serve others on the team.”
Beyond golf, Tong credits his community at URI with helping shape who he is today. Tong says that being able to connect with a faith-sharing group has been extremely meaningful.
“I found a really great community of Christians that I didn’t have back home,” said Tong. “It not only changed who I was as a person, but it changed my demeanor and the characteristics with which I act towards others.”
Looking ahead, Tong will continue to work to be the best he can be during his final two collegiate seasons and ultimately pursue his dream of becoming a professional golfer.
