JDCHS golfer Nick Smart signs with UVU

Juan Diego Catholic High School senior Nick Smart has been playing golf since he was 3 years old. In November, the two-time First Team All-State golfer signed with Utah Valley University to continue in the sport for four more years.

“I’m excited to be playing at the next level,” he said. “I’m going to work my hardest to do whatever I’m asked on the team and make a difference.”

“There are really limited scholarships available in boys golf,” Smart’s dad Bob Smart said. “This is a pretty big deal for someone to get one.”

Nick Smart said that UVU coach Chris Curran was a big factor in his decision. “Coach Curran is young, and I can really relate to him,” he said.

Bob Smart said Curran showed a lot of interest in his son by coming to his tournaments to watch him play. “He’s been great with Nick, and he is a great golf coach,” Bob Smart said.

Nick Smart’s dad introduced him to the sport when he was young but he has enjoyed relying on himself as he’s matured in golf. “I love to play,” he said. “And I love that only I can screw things up for myself since it’s an individual game.”

This past summer, Nick Smart represented the state in the Junior America’s Cup in Evergreen, Calif. Despite not playing well the first two days of the tournament, he bounced back to place 25th among 64 golfers in the field. “That last day was good for me to restore confidence and help me know I can play among the best players in the country,” he said.

In June, Nick Smart placed third in the Junior PGA qualifier while also qualifying for two prestigious national tournaments -- The Optimist and the Big I.

During this year’s high school season, the JDCHS senior placed third at the 3A state tournament in early October at Fox Hollow, following a sixth-place showing the year before.

“I’m more grateful for my dad than anything,” Nick Smart said. “He’s helped me get to where I’m at.”

Nick Smart plans to major in business marking at UVU and would love to play golf professionally. “I understand how few people get to realize that dream so I’ll just continue to play as long as I can wherever I can,” he said.