For Landon Wigington, golf wasn’t always the plan. Before stepping onto the course, Wigington spent his early high school years playing football and wrestling. Wrestling, especially, pushed him physically and mentally, something that eventually played into a big decision heading into his senior year.
“The decision was a hard one, and dealing with tough weight cuts was definitely part of it,” Wigington said. “But the main factor was that I just loved golf more and wanted to explore what I could do with the sport.”
Wigington didn’t start playing golf competitively until his junior year, putting him behind many of the players he now competes against. Still, he’s leaned into that challenge.
“It’s definitely been a challenge going against kids who have been playing golf their whole lives,” he said. “But I like the feeling of being the underdog—the overlooked golfer—because I haven’t been doing it my whole life.”
That mindset has helped him carve out a role on Westside’s varsity team this season. One of his biggest moments came at Miracle Hills, where he shot a 73 in a quad meet on a par 68 course. a performance that showed just how much he’s grown in a short amount of time.
Wigington credits his background in other sports for helping him handle the pressure that comes with golf.
“Football and wrestling have helped me approach golf from a different standpoint,” he said. “It’s such a mentally challenging sport, and I think I’m able to push through those moments because of what I’ve experienced on the field and on the mat.”
Junior teammate Tye Treadwell, one of his close friends, says that mentality shows up beyond just golf.
“I’ve known Landon for a while, and honestly he’s just a great guy to be around,” Treadwell said. “He’s always in a good mood, keeps things light, and even during matches he’ll find a way to make it fun. He’s the kind of teammate you want out there with you.”
Another varsity teammate, junior Knox Pocras, sees Wigington’s impact more in how he competes.
“He’s gotten a lot better really fast,” Pocras said. “What stands out is how he handles himself. Even if he’s not playing his best, he doesn’t freak out or anything, he just keeps going. That’s pretty big in golf.”
As one of the older players on the team this year, Wigington has stepped into a bigger role, competing for spots and embracing what it means to be part of the program.
“This year’s felt different because I’m one of the oldest guys on the team, and I’ve had the chance to compete for a spot,” he said. “Being part of a special program like Westside, with the legacy we’ve built over the past few years, means everything.”
For Wigington, the journey to golf may have come later than most—but it’s clear he’s making the most of it.
