P.J. Martin '04: Wildcat Golfer Pays it Forward
12/3/2021 4:22:00 PM | Men's Golf, DAF
Gallagher '05 and Oliver Cross '02 at annual
Dr. Tom Scott Memorial Golf Tournament
"Admittedly, I had a case of FOMO (fear of missing out) as a freshman and spread myself a bit too thin – a fraternity, Union Board, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, plus golf and academics … and for better or worse, as a freshman I probably mistakenly prioritized my activities in that order, too," he said. "But it was a great learning experience to understand my limitations while experiencing a lot of different things."
Along with his broad involvement across campus, learning to find a balance and manage the demands of being a scholar-athlete prepared P.J. well for life after graduation.
"There is little doubt that being a Davidson athlete opened doors during my career," he said.
P.J.'s fondest golf memories include the time spent with teammates practicing their short game at "Covington National" or playing tournament-qualifying rounds at Birkdale or Mallard Head. P.J. and his teammates remain close friends – those in the Charlotte area, including alums from several generations, see each other regularly. They also make it a point to play in the annual Dr. Tom Scott Memorial Golf Tournament each May, where they are joined by a large crowd of Davidson alums and friends in support of the Davidson Golf Program.
Since graduating, P.J. has stayed connected with teammates and also with the college, serving on the DAF Board, the Davidson Golf Committee, the Annual Fund Leadership Council and Reunion committees as well as providing resources to support today's golf program and scholar-athletes.
"I've always had an interest in staying involved with Davidson through various roles – it's helped me remain connected with a school that has done so much for me," he noted. "More recently, my wife, Danielle, and I have also prioritized Davidson and the golf program as we think about giving, with the hope that we can play a small part in providing another student some of the same opportunities I was afforded at and after Davidson. "
P.J.'s first year at Davidson was also Head Coach Tim Straub's first season at the helm. Now in his 21st year, Straub is a five-time Conference Coach of the Year – Atlantic 10 Conference Coach of the Year three out of the last four years. His program has won the A-10 Conference title twice in the last three years, and the team is looking to defend their title this spring. Along with the Wildcats' only NCAA Regional bids as a team, under Straub the program has generated three conference individual medalists, six regional qualifiers, an A-10 Player of the Year, three A-10 Rookie of the Years, 17 all-conference honors and 20 Cleveland Golf All-America Scholars.
"The golf program has made tremendous strides under Coach Straub's leadership," P.J. remarked. "It's been exciting to watch his strategy, recruiting and style evolve since my freshman year, and the resulting success of the team. I'm so glad I don't have to try to make the team today!"
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