Broken Bow’s James Underwood
James Underwood’s path into competitive golf at Broken Bow High School began close to home, shaped by time spent alongside his father and a steady commitment to improvement. What started as a shared interest quickly turned into something more serious once he entered high school and set his sights on competing.
“My dad is what got me interested in golf,” Underwood said. “As soon as I got into high school, I wanted to play competitively.”
That foundation remains central to his development. Underwood credits daily practice with his father as the driving force behind his progress, emphasizing repetition and discipline as key factors. “Constant practice has helped me develop more than anything,” he said.
Underwood’s routine reflects that mindset. He spends time working on specific parts of his game, especially chipping and putting, while also focusing on full rounds whenever possible. Evenings are often spent at Cedar Creek, his home course, where he sharpens his skills on the range before playing a few holes. He also values opportunities to compete at courses like Wolf Mountain in Poteau, where different conditions challenge his consistency.
While his physical game continues to grow, Underwood acknowledges the mental side of golf as one of his biggest hurdles. Managing nerves and staying composed during rounds has become a priority. “Trying to calm my nerves and not slice the ball is the hardest part,” he said. “I just have to take time to breathe and settle down.”
A major milestone in his journey came when he broke 100 for the first time at Idabel Country Club, a moment that reinforced his belief in the work he has put in. Since then, his focus has shifted toward lowering scores and contributing to his team’s success.
“Trying to shoot my best score to help our team win is always the goal,” Underwood said.
Looking ahead, Underwood aims to finish among the top 10 golfers in his area, a goal that reflects both his competitive drive and steady improvement. Above all, he hopes his legacy will be defined by integrity and effort.
“I want people to know I never once cheated and always tried my hardest,” he said.
