"Let's Play 9!"

After a few months off during the thick of the tournament schedule, Let's Play 9! is back and our participant for November, 2023 is the newly crowned Siouxland Player of the Year - Sam Storey.

It's our pleasure to introduce you all to Sam Storey, rapidly becoming one of the Siouxland area's premier golfers.  Sam was born in London, England and grew up in Chobham, Surrey - just southwest of downtown London.  As a kid growing up, Sam made sure to take part in a range of sports and took pride in Rugby, Soccer, Cricket and Tennis while attending Hall Grove School until the age of 11 and then moving on to Gordons School.  At the age of 16, Storey made the decision to narrow things down a bit and focus on the game of golf.  In 2018, Sam took the trip far away from home and began attending Morningside University under the coaching of fellow Player of the Year for the seniors, Todd Sapp.  Why the U.S. and Morningside? "I really wanted to push myself and continue to develop my golf game. Sport and school in the U.K. doesn't really exist so I knew I had to be in the states to continue to do both", said Storey.  Getting a four year Business Management degree is also a great benefit.

Following fellow Brit, Brandon Thompson to Morningside proved to be a great decision for Storey.  He won 12 college events, besting the Morningside record by five wins and during his Senior year he set the Morningside scoring record which, according to Sam "...was a goal of mine since I set foot on US soil."  When asked about how coaches have helped, Storey had this to say, "Coach Sapp played a huge part of my Morningside / golf career. He gave me the opportunity and took me right underneath his wing the second I landed in the country. He understood how far away from home I was and continuously went out his way to help me. I greatly valued his mentorship and felt like I had a family out here despite being 4500 miles away from home. I've always told him how appreciative I am and hopefully he knows how much I (and all the other internationals) valued him. Coach Wanderscheid did a great job at taking over the program at Morningside and it was a pleasure competing under his leadership. I spend a lot of time with Nick now trying to formulate the best Morningside team we can and I’ve greatly appreciated the opportunity. "

In 2022, Storey travelled up to Dacotah Ridge Golf Club in Morton, Minnesota to attempt to qualify for the U.S. Amateur.  Not only did he qualify, he was the medalist, posting a 5 under par 139 score. Storey commented, "biggest achievement was participating in the 2022 US Amateur at Ridgewood in NJ.  I missed the cut, but the greatest learning experience of my career."  Only 2 qualifier spots were available that day.  The guy who came in 2nd in that qualifier is now playing on the PGA Tour Canada.  In his practice round, Sam played with Ben Carr, who ended up losing in the final to Sam Bennett.  "Ben showed me what truly elite golf looked like and it was the first real time I've played alongside a tour level golfer" said Storey.

Another accomplishment of Storey's is competing in the 2023 US Fourball Amateur at Kiawah with Corey Mathey. "We had a great run and made it to the final 16, which was an incredible experience." Storey said.

Storey said  that he tries to get back to England for a week every year but since covid, that hasn't been as often. His mother worries about him being so far away but has learned to accept his life in the U.S.  Sam's brother Ben is an officer cadet in the Royal Navy and "works incredibly hard and will progress to be a Midshipman Weapons Engineer, which is a great achievement in the Navy.  My parents are the same way, Dad has owned his own business since 18 and poured his entire life into it. He worked incredibly hard (still does) so I had the possibility to come to the states to pursue my dream...I'm very grateful for everything my family has done for me and for always providing the utmost belief." 

Interestingly enough, the 23 year old Storey is very close friends with Dame Laura Davies.  She, who has amassed 87 worldwide victories and 20 LPGA victories and is a World Golf Hall of Famer, was a special influence on Sam and she has followed him closely and always showing support.

What's in the future for Sam Storey?  "I look to turn pro in the coming summer (2024) and try to work my way onto small tours nearby.  Q-school starts in early fall so that'll be what I work toward mainly in the summer." said Storey, realizing how long the road is to make it to the Tour.  Sam further added, "When I first came to the states, I didn't have this plan initially, but with the help of Morningside I was able to really push myself and develop into the golfer I am today."

Now, let's see how Sam performs on the back 9...