Writes Ciaran Dineen
Rising local golf star, Sam Hogan, has announced that he will be leaving Carrigaline later this year and heading off to pursue his golfing career after winning a scholarship with the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
It has been an incredible nine months for the Coláiste Muire student, who will be sitting his Leaving Certificate in a little over a month’s time. After winning the prestigious Kerry Boys Open in 2021, Sam’s trajectory has taken off, with the 18-year-old catching the eye of a scout who regularly sends promising sporting talents to universities around the United States.
Last year, The Carrigdhoun Newspaper spoke with Sam following his fantastic achievement in Kerry, but at that time the prospect of America was merely a dream that the young golfer could only wish would come true. However, after months of working out the logistics, improving his game and continuing to study ahead of the Leaving Cert, Sam can now begin to get ready for the move to North Carolina.
The allure of university-level golf isn’t the only thing that is currently appealing to Sam however, who was quick to note that his future place of study is located just over five kilometres from the nearest local beaches, and around an hour’s drive from the famous Myrtle Beach, located in South Carolina.
Speaking to The Carrigdhoun Newsapaper, Sam added, “It’s been something myself and my dad have been working on really since July last year and it’s just amazing now to get it over the line. As I’ve said before it’s an absolute dream come true, and I can’t wait to start. To be honest, I don’t think it will seem real until I take my first foot off the plane.” He went on to say how much this meant not only for him, but his dad, Brian, and wider family. “This is just a massive deal for my dad and all my family, I have to give my dad so much credit because he has helped me so much with everything.”
For now, though all focus shifts back closer to home with Sam nearing the start of his exams. He has yet to fully decide what he would like to do academically when he moves to North Carolina but is keen to go down the route of studying something ‘business’ related.
Congratulations to Sam on a fantastic achievement and best wishes ahead of his exams from all at The Carrigdhoun Newspaper.