Joplin High School sophomore Phoenix Benfield is still early in his varsity golf journey, but he already carries himself like a player intent on steady improvement.
Benfield, a 10th grader, said he has embraced the mental demands of the sport and the way it mirrors challenges off the course. “Athletics has taught me to persevere through hard things in my life,” Benfield said. “Golf shows you that if you stick with it, you can work through the tough stuff.”
A fan of English class, Benfield lists Mr. Good as his favorite teacher and says he appreciates the support he gets at school as he balances classwork and competition. On the course, he leans on his 60-degree wedge, the club he trusts most when he needs a precise shot. “My favorite club in my bag is my 60-degree wedge,” he said. “I’m confident with it and it’s very versatile.”
Benfield’s lowest competition round so far is an 89, and he has posted a 79 at Schifferdecker Golf Course in Joplin during non-tournament play. Those scores motivate him as he looks to consistently break 80 in the years ahead. He said much of his recent work has been centered on getting off the tee. “I have worked on my driving the most because I found out when I’m in the fairway, I score the best,” Benfield said.
He enjoys the “laid-back nature” of the Eagles’ boys golf team and their practices, as well as spending his free time playing casual rounds with friends. Schifferdecker is his favorite local course, but he calls Top of the Rock in Branson the best layout he has played so far.
Benfield looks up to professional golfer Min Woo Lee, admiring both his game and his personality. “He seems like a fun guy but he’s also an amazing golfer and has a sick mustache,” Benfield said with a smile.
