Logan Hill’s time with RDC proved to be well spent.
Not only did the 19-year-old Hunting Hills grad get an opportunity to play at the provincial and national level, but possibly more important he found a coach.
Brett Bingham, who has experience on several pro tours and came within a whisker of qualifying for the PGA Tour, is an assistant coach with RDC and is now Hill’s full time coach.
“Getting an opportunity to work with Brett has been a huge benefit,” said Hill after shooting a 74 Wednesday and finishing third in the McLennan Ross Tour stop in Lacombe. He won the Innisfailevent on Tuesday with a two-under par 70.
“Brett has seen it all and been through it, and he gets that across.”
As he grew older and the more time he spent with top coaches and on the course, Hill saw how important the mental side of the game is.
“I believe my game matured a lot working with Brett and my year at the college,” he said. “I realize it isn’t just how far you hit the driver, but how you position yourself. Even in a poor position you can still make par. I’ve learned how important to be mentally into the game. Be patient and don’t force things
“It’s certainly helped. I’ve been fairly consistent this year, hitting the ball better and putting better.”
Hill played hockey as a youngster but suffered a number of concussions, which affected him for some time
“I played hockey until I was 12 and quit because of concussions,” he explained. ‘That’s when I started to take up golf, but even then the concussions affected me.”
But he was a natural at golf and progressed quickly.
“My first tournament I shot a 108, then two tournaments later I was down to 79,” he explained. “I love the game, but it’s also a game that can change quickly. You can shoot a great round, then struggle the next, but that’s where having a good coach and maturity comes in.”
This year has been solid for Hill who has set several goals, such was winning the McLennan Ross and possibly the Maple Leaf Junior Tour Order of Merit titles.
“They would be good to put on my resume,” he said.
He plans on competing in as many junior events as he can and is hoping to play in the MJT International Players Championship in Jasper in early August.
“The more experience the better,” he said.
Hill does meet Bingham every day, but texts and works out with him when possible.
“We do text every day and when there’s something I need to work on he helps right away. We practice when we can at River Bend and will start playing at least once a a week.
Hill did play in the Alberta Open and will compete in the Central Alberta Amateur at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club on the August long weekend.
He’s six weeks too old to play in the Alberta Junior.
“That’s too bad, but competing in the Alberta Open was a real eye-opener,” he said. “Being in the same group as someone who has competed against the likes of Tiger (Woods), Rory (McIlroy) and Jordan (Spieth) is a great experience. It’s cool to see them and watch what they do.”
He won’t be returning to RDC this fall, at least to play.
“I’ll take a couple of courses, work and continue to work on my game,” he said.
He did receive some offers to go to the States this fall, but decided to take a year off.
“I decided to wait a year and see if something better comes up,” he said.