Trent Thompson is like countless golfers. He started playing at a reasonable age—seventh grade—and had a common response. “At first, golf was more frustrating than fun,” he recalls. Golf has that effect on people. But Thompson was undeterred and found a spark by playing competitively. “Competing with teammates and in tournaments made me really enjoy it,” he says.

It’s working out for the 18-year-old Nassau Loop resident. A recent graduating senior on the Dublin Jerome men’s golf team, Thompson has racked up some serious hardware competing for his school. His individual and team accolades include an Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division I state championship, second-team all-Ohio, first team all-Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) and, most impressively, academic all-Ohio honors.

Thompson has played in most states around the Midwest region and tackled southern courses in Florida, Arizona, Texas and Tennessee. “The biggest events I played in were the OHSAA DI State Championship and the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur,” he says. In July, he will play in the High School Golf National Championship with his Jerome teammates.

That high school experience has given Thompson his fondest golf memory to date. “Finishing the second day at States with a good score and watching the team come down the stretch,” he recalls. “In the end, my teammate Brady Barnum made the final putt to officially win it all.” Those are memories that last a lifetime.

Thompson credits his success in making memories like these to his mentors, Troy Wright and Brad Sparling. “I have known Troy since I started playing golf,” he says. He credits Wright with transforming his swing to get the best results possible. “Sparling has helped me with the mental side of the game by encouraging me to do hard things daily and improving my thought process on the course.”

Thompson’s golf hero is Tiger Woods, but he had a brush with golf greatness with another major winner. “The most famous golfer I’ve met was the former top player in the world, David Duval,” he says. “I met him in seventh grade when I was on the range with my dad, who recognized his swing.” Maybe that was a little nudge of destiny telling the then-novice Thompson to stick with this crazy game.

For a young player, Thompson has veteran advice for aspiring golfers. “Don’t be harsh on yourself,” he says. “It’s one of the hardest sports in the world, and everybody is going to make mistakes.”

What started as a frustrating game eventually became a passion for Thompson. His dedication on the course and in the classroom has earned him a place at Queens University of Charlotte, where he will play for the Royals golf team.

There’s a good chance Thompson’s commitment for golf will keep taking him places. “Hitting good shots is the most rewarding feeling in golf,” he says. “One good shot can change the momentum of a round.”

Trent Thompson’s one good decision to stick with golf has given him momentum in his early academic and athletic career. His Muirfield family will be cheering him on all the way.