The aroma of freshly cut grass, faint sounds of lawn mowers in the distance, melodic tones of songbirds and droplets of dew lining the fairways all culminate into the perfect golf course which provides a second home for golfer Joey Williams.

Joey has played golf his whole life, picking up a club at the age of two and has been around the atmosphere of a golf course ever since. As a four-year member of the varsity golf team Joey’s experiences have not been limited to high school golf.

He has caddied at Westwood Country Club since the age of 11 and has gained experience and knowledge of the game because of it. He even attributes some of his success to his seven years of caddying.

“Being a caddy at Westwood has definitely helped me progress as a golfer,” Joey said. “It has made a huge difference especially on the course.”

Throughout his years of competition golf, Joey has made numerous lifelong relationships. From befriending competitors to strengthening relationships with other students through high school golf, one friend has been there to support and push Joey to where he is today. Grant Standbrook, senior and fellow four-year member of the varsity golf team, is a great friend to Joey.

“Ever since we were little we’ve pushed one another to be better,” Grant said, “It sucks that when we’re on the course we have to compete against one another, but in the end we’re always going to be be good pals.”

Joey said the two have a great friendship and he can always count on each other.

“Grant has been there from the beginning,” Joey said. “We have been playing golf since elementary school and he has been a good friend that has been there for me.”

After much success in the last four years, Joey has had the opportunity to play in more than five tournaments; including the 2013 MSSHA State Tournament this past spring where he placed 10th and the Jim Jackson Invitational an annual amatuer tournament at Algonquin Country Club this past summer where he placed third. This event was a turning point in Joey’s career that ultimately boosted him to the next level.

“I got paired with the Maryville University head coach during the second round and at the time I had no idea who he was and I ended up shooting a 71,” Williams said. “He offered me a spot on the team that same day. After some talk and a campus visit, I decided to commit.”

Maryville is an NCAA Division II school that competes against mid-sized schools from the area such as University of Missouri St. Louis, Truman State University and Drury University. “A lot of people lose the opportunity to represent their school [in athletics] when their senior year of high school ends,” Joey said. “I am fortunate I have the opportunity to do that for the next four years.”