East County Athlete of the Week: Parker Severs

Parker Severs came within one great day of golf from playing in the U.S. Open this week. Severs graduated from Lakewood Ranch High in May and wasted no time getting started on the next phase of his golf career. A few days after classes let out for the year, he won a six-man playoff at Waterlefe Golf and River Club to advance past the local round of qualifying for the U.S. Open at Waterlefe Golf and River Club May 8. Severs put himself in contention to earn one of four qualifying spots at the final round of qualifying at Emerald Dunes Golf Club in West Palm Beach on June 2. He shot a 3-under-par 69 in his first round, and was 5-under-par for the tournament at one point in his second round. However, some miscues on the way in resulted in a second round score of a 3-over-par 75 to fall 10 strokes outside of the qualifiers.

When and why did you start playing golf?

I started playing golf because my brother and dad went to the range a lot and played golf together, and I wanted to go with them. I was about 9 years old. 

What’s been your most memorable moment on the golf course?

It’s kind of hard to pick one. I think this last week at U.S. Open qualifying was pretty memorable. I had my whole family there, and that was pretty cool. It was a super nice golf course and it was in great shape. My brother caddied for me, and both of my parents were there, which is pretty rare to have them both there at the same time. It was a great experience. 

What was your U.S. Open qualifying experience like?

Obviously, a lot of guys in the field were a little bit older or had more experience, but I was pretty much right there for about 20 holes. I guess you can blame it on the weather delay. After my 15th hole, we had about a two-and-a-half-hour rain delay. We went back out and I lost my groove, I guess. I made a couple bogeys and doubles and fell off the leaderboard. 

What’s been your most humbling moment in golf?

I think the older I get, the harder the game becomes. The better you are, the harder the courses you play. Last time I learned how hard golf can be. You go from playing easy golf courses when it’s not the best competition to against some of the top junior golfers and college players in the world. That’s when I was humbled by them, like ‘Holy cow, they’re way better than me.’ That really made me appreciate it.

What’s your favorite meal?

I like Italian. Spaghetti bolognese is my favorite. We go to Michelangelo’s a lot.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

I don’t really watch TV. I’ll watch YouTube and watch the golfers though.

What’s your go-to warm-up music?

I listen to country music. Pretty much 90% of the time I’ll listen to that. Guys like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Eric Church. If I need to get locked in, I’ll listen to rap.

If you’re not golfing, what are you doing?

I like to fish a lot. I play pickleball. Those are the two things I do almost every week. 

What does your ideal weekend look like?

I’d probably play golf for most of the day on Saturday and Sunday, maybe fish one afternoon. At night, I’d hang out with friends and play poker or pickleball.

Who’s your favorite golfer and why?

I like Jon Rahm and Ludvig Aberg. I like the way they play the game.

Finish this sentence. Parker Severs is…

Hard-working.