Scot gives an insight to life as a student in America

Getting to Know: Josh Jamieson

9/30/2015 11:35:00 AM | Men's Golf

As the Northwestern University golf team wrapped up its 19th-edition of the Windon Memorial Classic, NUSports.com caught up with senior Josh Jamieson. Recognized as a 2015-16 Big Ten Golfer to Watch, Jamieson discusses what it was like coming to America, why he chose Northwestern and much more in this week's edition of "Getting to Know."

NUSports.com: What has your experience at Northwestern Univeristy, Illinois been like?

Josh Jamieson: It has been amazing. Playing golf at Northwestern doesn't happen to everybody – it is a very exclusive club to be a part of. I have had many great experiences on the team and have had great teammates throughout my four years here. I have also been very fortunate to have the best two coaches in college golf.

It is a maturing process and I have come out of this a more mature human being. I am also a much better golfer and much better student.

NU: Where are you from?

JJ: I am from St. Andrews in Scotland. I am fully Scottish – as Scottish as they come. My entire family is back there. When I got off the plane to come to Northwestern, it was the first time I had been to America. It was a strange experience.

NU: What was your recruitment process like?

JJ:  [David Inglis] is Scottish and Luke Donald was World No. 1 when I was being recruited, so I made use of that connection. I was the lucky one. I wanted to further my education and expand my golf game and I was just extremely fortunate. I was never bothered about going to college in the States and I did not have much interest in it. It was not something I was open to until David got in touch with me. I realized Northwestern was a great school and it seem  a great idea.And so it turned out to be!

NU: Did you have any connections to Evanston?

JJ: My grandmother grew up in Evanston, which is just a crazy coincidence. She lived here for 15 years and her father was a club pro at one of our courses.

NU: What was the biggest culture shock coming to America?

JJ: Everything kind of freaked me out at first - the food, the people. I thought 70 degrees was so hot! It is just very different from Scotland..
 
NU: What was your first American meal?

JJ: My first night in America, I ate dinner with Coach Inglis and my dad at the hotel we were staying at. I had an American burger, and it all seemed so strange.
 
NU: What is your favourite part ofAmerica?

JJ: We have got to travel a lot with golf, and I love visiting new places. I also love downtown Chicago. My parents come out every year and I love when they are here and get to do the tourist things. I also love the sports teams here. I did not understand football, baseball or ice hockey when I moved here, but now I love it!

NU: If you weren't playing golf, what would be your dream job?

JJ: My dream job would be a professional footballer – or a soccer player, as Americans would say. I love soccer, and that is what I miss most about home. David Beckham was my favorite player growing up and I still love him.

NU: What has been your favourite course in America?

JJ: My favourite course is Erin Hills. Marquette's tournament has been there the last couple years and it fits my eye. It is in Wisconsin, and a Scottish-style course. Aside from that, I really like Cypress Point in Pebble Beach. We haven't played on that course competitively, but went on a Spring Break trip there.