By: Kris Graewin
Head Men's Golf Coach
FORT DODGE – A dream turned into reality December 20 as Iowa Central sophomore captain Nico Booyens, of Centurion, South Africa, signed his National Letter of Intent with California State University Fullerton's men's golf program.
"Golf wise, Cal State Fullerton offers everything I could ask for; multiple golf courses the team plays and practices at, an on-campus practice area and overall great athletics facilities," said Booyens. "CSF has a really competitive team and I know I can continue growing as a golfer and also hopefully help the team do great things. Being in Orange County, California the weather is also favorable for golf year-round, which is a bonus."
Booyens has been a fixture in the Triton lineup since arriving on campus in the fall of 2022, playing in every varsity event and collecting eight top-5 finishes. Through 10-tournament rounds as a sophomore, Booyens dropped his scoring average to 72 strokes per round, down 4 shots from his freshman season. Booyens understands that it took a process to develop into the player he has become but credits Iowa Central and Fort Dodge for aiding in his achievement after describing his journey at Iowa Central.
"Journey is definitely a great way to put it," said Booyens. "During my time here at Iowa Central, I've been able to learn a lot, not only pertaining to golf and school but also life. It's been up and down, it's been a grind, but with the amazing, friendly, and helpful people here at Iowa Central, it has definitely made it easier. I came in as an international student, having no clue what I'm about to get myself into; I was optimistic but also scared inside at the same time, being so far away from home. In the beginning, I was way too hard on myself but once I settled in here and realized Iowa Central is my new home, it's been really fun, and I've allowed myself to grow a lot as a student, golfer and person. I'm fortunate enough to be very involved on-campus now, being a tutor and a student ambassador. Those are opportunities that Iowa Central offered me and I was willing to take. I'm just grateful for all these opportunities Iowa Central has offered me."
In his short time at Iowa Central, Booyens set a standard for all Iowa Central students.
"Iowa Central is proud of Nico and congratulate him on his commitment to Cal State Fullerton," said Iowa Central President Dr. Jesse Ulrich. "Nico embodies the characteristics we wish every student athlete had. He is dedicated to working on improving his game, is a phenomenal leader and is an outstanding student. We are honored to have him as a future alumnus."
"Nico has been a tremendous teammate, and I couldn't be prouder of him for achieving his dream of playing Division I golf," said Iowa Central head golf coach Kris Graewin. "There isn't a more deserving person I've coached than Nico for all of the success he's having this year and all the future success he is going to have. I have no doubt that he will be able to accomplish anything that he wants. Nico's greatest attribute is his passion. He has a passion for the game of golf, he has a passion for his teammates, and he has a passion for being the best human. We need more people like him in today's world."
Booyens credits Fort Dodge Country Club and the Iowa Central golf program for helping him develop into a Division I golfer.
"We are very lucky to be able to play at Fort Dodge Country Club basically whenever we want," he said. "We have access to unlimited range balls, there's a nice short game area and a big putting green. Being able to go out and practice whenever has allowed me to those hours in. The members and guys in the clubhouse are also very accommodating, making it a lot of fun being out there. Also, I love the layout of the course, with the front and back nine being very different and offering different challenges. As a team we workout three times a week and that has been very beneficial to me, not only physically but also mentally. (Miguel) Secor pushes us to get better every single time we're in there for lifts."
Booyens may have found his next adventure, but he will always hold Fort Dodge close.
"For being here now just under 1.5 years straight I've grown to love the people here, especially at Iowa Central," he said. "Everyone is just so helpful and friendly, and it really does make life easier. Some of the Fort Dodge residents I got to meet at Fort Dodge Country Club have been very supportive, especially throughout staying here over the summer. It's so easy to just fire up a conversation with someone around here and I love it! I played in a lot of golf tournaments all over Iowa during the summer break and Fort Dodge is nice and central to drive from, I never had unbearable distances to drive to tournaments, but I've also had some nice journeys through the famous Iowa cornfields. Fort Dodge has and still will be my new home for awhile and I will keep on enjoying it here."