After last season was cut short due to the temporary closure of Sedona-Oak Creek School District during the statewide Red for Ed strike, Scorpions golfer Gavin Bruce looks to make up for lost time.

Bruce spoke about the offseason and how he’s feeling more comfortable compared to his freshman season.
 How have the first couple of weeks of practice been?
Pretty good so far. It has been a little rough because I took a break from golf but practice has been well.
 How did you get into golf?
When I was a little younger, maybe 10 years old, I frequently went out with my dad to the driving range. I did not play for a while though, as I did not take golf seriously until my freshman year. After last year, I began focusing more on my game.
 Who is your favorite golfer?
My favorite golfer is Rickie Fowler. A couple of weeks ago, my father and I actually went to see him perform at the Phoenix Open. When I was younger, I loved his hair and his outfits and he has been my favorite ever since. I am also a fan of Tiger Woods as well.
 How do you get motivated before a match?
I usually hit the driving range and listen to music before I go up. I prefer laid back music before a match because I believe it puts me in the correct mindset. If I listen to more aggressive music, I can get myself too hyped up on the course. I also believe I am more comfortable on the course this year compared to freshman year. I used to get so frustrated that one bad shot would ruin the match but now I am calmer.
 Which is your favorite hole?
Hole five at Oak Creek Country Club because it is right by my house.
 What is your favorite class subject?
Right now, I am very interested in my sports medicine class. I like it a lot because I feel like I am learning things I will use in my everyday life. It teaches us how to save lives and many other important things. The class has taught us about physical therapy, something I may want to pursue in the future.
 What interests you about physical therapy?
I have actually had knee problems for a long time and have gone to four different physical therapy sessions. I was playing basketball a while back when I blew out my knee. After procrastinating, I finally got surgery on it a couple weeks ago. It seems like a very cool career.
 How long until your knee is back to normal?
I have physical therapy for a month and then I should be good to go. My knee injury has not affected me on the golf course, however. It kind of helps me to continue playing golf and take a break from basketball. I am thinking about returning to basketball next year so hopefully I am able to.
 Where would you say you have improved the most?
I think my iron play has gotten better since freshmen year. I have always felt comfortable chipping but I worked a lot on my irons over the offseason.
How do you think the younger golfers look?
They are actually looking really good. They have four years ahead of them so we have a very young team this season. It is awesome because we have a lot of time. The experience is great and they have a lot of time to improve. If we are all out here practicing hard then we are bound to get through eventually.
What is your favorite part about practice?
Just the environment of being with the team. I hadn’t had it for a while due to the offseason but golf is a lot more fun when I am with the team.
What was your favorite moment from last season?
When we participated in the Kingman tournament. The first day was rough so I went into the second day thinking “What do I have to lose?” I went into it and I performed a lot better than the first day.
What advice would you give to young golfers?
Do not get too frustrated with yourself.
What path would you like to pursue after graduating high school?
I think I will go to Northern Arizona University but I am not sure what I want to