Cameron Guidry, a member of the Congaree Global Golf Initiative Class of 2019, was one of the most talented junior golfers in the state of Mississippi during his high school career. While competing at Picayune High School, Guidry reached No. 2 in the Junior Golf Scoreboard Mississippi rankings and captured three top 25 finishes in AJGA competitions. His accomplishments drew the attention of a number of colleges, and Guidry signed on with the University of Southern Mississippi in nearby Hattiesburg.
Q: How did you first learn about CGGI?
A: An AJGA staff member came up to me at a tournament and told me I had been selected out of the whole field to be nominated. I had to look it up later to really understand what Congaree & the CGGI were. I was kind of nervous at first because I’d have to fly and I had never flown before.
Q: What did it mean to you and your family to receive an invitation?
A: It meant a lot because not everyone has the financial means to get new clubs, take regular lessons with teaching pros, travel to any tournament and all the things that go into high-level golf. Congaree helped provide that for me to get me where I am now.
Q: Talk about your CGGI experience and what has stuck with you the most.
A: What probably stuck with me the most was that the course was much harder than I expected. The first time we played, I don’t think I made a par in the first 9 holes.
Q: How did the CGGI team help you through the college recruiting and application process? Why did you choose Southern Miss?
A: Mr. Lorne was really helpful in sending a list of colleges that would be the best fit for me. Out of all of the schools, I felt Southern Miss was the best fit for my education and my game. I liked the coach, it isn’t too far from home and there are good caliber players that I could compete with here.
Q: Talk about your experience as a college athlete?
A: First semester started off pretty easy and then we had a lot of qualifiers and exams hit at the same time. As a student-athlete, you don’t really have time to do anything other than practice and study. It’s pretty tough.
Q: How did CGGI help prepare you for success at the collegiate level?
A: When I got to Congaree, I was struggling. But the coaches really helped me with my swing and instructed me on what it took to play at the next level. With it being so early in my college career, it’s hard to tell just how much it has helped, but I probably wouldn’t be here otherwise.
Q: What are your athletic goals this season?
A: In the Spring season, my goal is to qualify for all of the tournaments. Most importantly, I want to get a ring at Regionals with my team.
Q: What are your goals after college?
A: I’m majoring in business management, but my goal is to play professional golf after college. I at least want to give it a shot and maybe play a few mini-tours or Monday qualifiers for the Korn Ferry tour to get started and see what happens.
Q: What advice do you have for any young golfers who go through CGGI in the future?
A: Be ready for a good week and take in as much as you can. It is a learning experience, so don’t get frustrated.
