Persistent work ethic drives Marrese on the links

UW-bound golfer is perfecting his game over the summer

By Shaun Scott • August 6, 2015 5:44 pm
Sammamish Totems 2015 graduate Matt Marrese sinks a putt while perfecting his form on June 22 at Fairwood Golf and Country Club in Renton. Marrese will continue his golf career at the University of Washington this fall.
Sammamish Totems 2015 graduate Matt Marrese sinks a putt while perfecting his form on June 22 at Fairwood Golf and Country Club in Renton. Marrese will continue his golf career at the University of Washington this fall.

Each morning Matt Marrese makes the short 15-minute jaunt (depending on traffic) from his home in Bellevue to one of his favorite places in Washington.

Marrese, who graduated from Sammamish High School in mid-June, perfects his golf skills seven days a week at the Fairwood Golf and Country Club in Renton. The 18-year-old Marrese said he averages close to 10 hours per day at the facility. He will golf for the University of Washington Huskies men’s golf team this fall and is doing everything he can to ensure he is ready for the challenges awaiting him at the collegiate level.

“I golf every day and I usually get here anywhere from between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.,” Marrese said.

Marrese, who captured third place at the Class 2A state competition this past May, is eager about his opportunity to be part of the Huskies golf program.

“The UW head coach Matt Thurmond is a great guy. I’m really excited to learn from a guy like him. He has a great knowledge of the sport,” Marrese said this past November.

With his arrival at UW approaching in just a few months, Marrese’s thought process hasn’t changed in the least bit.

“I’m excited to be part of such a great program. It is going to be a lot of fun golfing with all of those guys. I don’t feel any extra pressure, I’m just excited to go,” he said.

Marrese said he enjoys being a member at the Fairwood Golf and Country Club in Renton because it gives him a rare opportunity to experience anonymity and allows him to focus on his game as opposed to constant socializing on the range, putting greens and in the clubhouse.

“I like it better here than most places. When I go to other places it seems like I know every single person there and I have to talk to them all. Not knowing everyone is better,” he said. “I do most of my golfing here.”

With his college golf career just around the corner, Marrese has already envisioned what he wants his future to look like on the links.

“As a freshman I would like to play in the majority of all the tournaments. Hopefully my game will progress throughout college. My final goal will be to win the NCAA’s individually and as a team,” he said.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com