From Belgium to the Hilltop
Golfer crosses pond, bringing big drive to Mustang team

By Wesley Medlock

Jerome Theunis began his athletic career aspiring to be a great soccer player. Suffering an injury at 11 years old, he was forced out of the sport. Theunis took up golf as something to pass the time.

He worked diligently at golf for two years, and in his first tournament he suffered a disappointing loss.

"I did so bad," Theunis said. "I was the youngest in the field [golf], and I was nervous."

He continued his hard work on the green, and at age 15 he joined the Belgium national team, where he blossomed as a player. "I got with a really good coach," Theunis said. "I finished 30th in my first two European Championships."

He continued with limited success, finishing 31st in his first European Amateur. In Europe you either have to become a professional or go to college. Faced with this decision, he opted to go to America.

"I sent letters off to coaches in America," Theunis said. "I talked to the coaches here at SMU, and without a visit I flew 12 hours from Belgium to Dallas."

After a decent performance his first year, Theunis missed much of his sophomore year with two herniated discs in his back.

"My first year was tough; I was in a place I'd never been, and I could barely speak English."

His junior year was highlighted by finishing eighth at the Ridges Tournament, shooting the lowest round of 69 and the lowest tournament score of 213.

This year Theunis has been on fire - winning the University of Texas at Arlington Junior Varsity Invitational and placing seventh at the Coastal Carolina Invitational last week. He attributes his success to hard work and keeping golf fun.

"I practice four hours a day, six days a week," Theunis said. "Three hours before I tee up at a tournament, I like to stretch and joke around with my teammates."