Brian Seo started playing golf when he was two and continues to play 15 years later.

As he developed his game, golf also taught Seo valuable lessons about life. His golf skills were on display this season when Seo helped Desert Vista win its first ever boys state team title.

Seo wrapped up his high school career with that team title, but his golfing days are far from over. Next year he’ll continue his career at the same site Desert Vista won its championship on Nov. 8, Grand Canyon University Golf Course.  

“(Golf) is a game you can’t perfect and you always have to work at it,” Seo said. “Playing golf has changed my life and my attitude.”

Seo helped Desert Vista win the title during his first and only golf season with the school.

The senior transferred from Glendale Mountain Ridge after his junior year. At Desert Vista, Seo joined a strong squad comprised of Tyler Svendson and David Evans, who finished tied for second at state, Scott Schlader and Gavin Chan.

At state, Desert Vista shot a 9-under, combining for a two-day total of 559. They pushed pass Chaparral, Sandra Day O’Connor, Perry, and Hamilton during the back nine on Day 2 to take this year’s state championship.  

Although Seo had a positive impact for Desert Vista, the negatives of his transfer were felt at Mountain Ridge.

“His leaving affected us,” said Seo’s coach at Mountain Ridge, Jeff Williams. “We only had freshmen and sophomores on the team this year, so without Brian we didn’t have a veteran to turn to for the younger players.”

Seo obviously brings a lot to a program.

He finished first in the Desert Mashie Spring Championship in 2014 and was second in the USGA Junior Amateur Qualifier in 2015. When he was two, Seo was introduced to the game when his dad gave him a plastic golf club.

As he grew older, Seo was encouraged to practice at the golfing range every day. With the tough competition in Arizona, Seo continues to practice daily.

He’s learned a lot about the game thanks to a former coach, Ted Perez Jr., and Matt Russo, his coach at Desert Vista. The two of them are helping Seo fine tune his game before he attends Grand Canyon University in the fall of 2017.

After taking the initiative to contact GCU coaches, Seo was scouted throughout the season, eventually leading to a spot on next year’s team.

With his dedication and love for the sport, Seo says he is excited to continue his golfing career at GCU. He has the support of many, including Russo, who has some advice for Seo.  

“There will be adversity as you move to the next level of competition, so stay focused and be open to new things,” Russo said.