Stephen Campbell of FBCA
Stephen Campbell Jr. is a hype-man.
The 2019 TAPPS Class 5A state champion and the 24th-ranked AJGA Rolex Junior in the country is magnetic. Whether pumping himself up on the golf course or as a Student Section Leader at a Fort Bend Christian Academy football game, Campbell has some juice.
The Oklahoma-commit regained his passion for golf entering high school and has left opponents in his wake on the high school and the elite-tournament circuits.
"Ever since I was 18-months-old, I had a club in my hand," he said. "I was sort of a child prodigy in the beginning, but when I started coasting in middle school I got a little big behind. My parents sat me down and just explained they weren't going to shell out money if I didn't see a future in golf."
That was in the eighth-grade.
"I found that passion again and since then I've been hard at work," he said.
There has been a price. The high school senior has had to sacrifice being a teenager at the hands of golf at times.
"People think I'm boring sometimes," he laughs. "It's golf, school and family-time. Yes, I've had to make some sacrifices. I've missed times with my friends with practice or traveling to tournaments.
"I don't see it as a sacrifice, but a blessing. I'm thinking long-term. I'm motivated to get better. To be the best player I can."
Much like his favorites – Tigers Woods and Phil Mickelson.
"I grew up on Tiger Woods, and Phil who is a fellow lefty," he said. "I also like Brooks Koepka and his approach. He's a transcendent athlete physically and how he approaches the game. He simplifies it.
"I also like the young guns. I have so much respect for how insanely tough it is to make and stay on the professional tour," he said. "Those guys are so tough."
Campbell will attend Oklahoma next fall and play for coach Ryan Hybl. Forgot to mention, his parents are Sooners and his mom played college basketball.
"Coach is an energy-guy like me," he laughs. "Our personalities match. He has moxie and swag and I can see that playing for him will make me a better player and person.
"My parents didn't want to influence my decision at all, so I prayed about it a lot," he said. "Oklahoma is a special place and Christ put it in my heart. I love the guys on the team, and we have a great class coming in."
When in town, he's hyping his buddies on their respective fields of play, but mostly Campbell is on the steady grind his senior season on the range or on the road.
His favorites courses to play?
"Liberty National Club in New York City is amazing," he said. "Imagine playing golf and seeing the New York skyline on every hole. I also like Rich Harvest Farms (outside of Chicago) – it's like the movie Hoosiers, but on a golf course."
When he gets some time to chill, he's with friends or with his dad hunting of fishing.
"My dad taught me the game of golf and my mom gave me the mental side of athletics," he said. "They have been a huge influence in my life."
The energy Campbell has for life makes him a can't-miss-kid – where it's on the golf course, in the stands or a future in business.
He's got the juice.
