In the sixth grade, by the encouragement of his father, Tyler Bullard picked up his first set of golf clubs.
The goal was to learn and love a sport that Bullard could compete in his entire life.
Bullard loved the game so much he continued to hit the links for the next six years.
Each passing year saw Bullard grow on the golf both in his scores and between the ears.
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In high school, by his senior season, Bullard climbed all the way to the No. 1 spot for the Seymour High School varsity team.
This past spring, Bullard concluded his career, and surpassed his expectations.
He averaged 41.4 strokes for 9-hole matches and 81.8 for tournaments. In the regular season, he finished in the top-10 twice for tournaments.
Bullard shot an 85 at St. Anne’s in North Vernon at the Hoosier Hills Conference tournament
After leading the Owls all season, Bullard shot an 86 at Bloomington Country Club in sectional action to advance as an individual to the Providence Regional.
In regional play, at the halfway mark, Bullard sat at 1-under-par — the best he’d ever carded for nine holes. While he triple-bogeyd the 16th hole, Bullard still finished with a 78.
“I feel like I went out on a really positive note,” Bullard said. “I wasn’t expecting to do as well as I did. I was fortunate to play my best round of the season at regional.”
Owls coach Jim Hoffman saw Bullard progress each year.
“It was a very successful season for (Bullard),” Hoffman said. “He has been a great leader for us. He has always been right there for four straight years. He played No 3 for a couple years and then No. 2 and No. 1. He has been a great kid to have.”
Bullard, one of two seniors on the team, heeded the opportunity to be a leader in his final season. The Owls had six sophomores and seven freshman on the team.
“I told them to just go out and play and to not worry about what number they were,” Bullard said. “We came close to winning some tournament. They will learn and get better.”
Hoffman said that Bullard’s teammates looked up to him.
“The biggest thing for us was we had freshmen go down and watch in regional,” he said. “That shows a lot. He has been a great role model. The younger kids look up to him. The team did an outstanding job this year. I’m looking forward to the next few years.”
Of all the things Bullard improved on, Hoffman said his mental game grew the most.
“His demeanor, he kept his cool,” he said. “We’ve seen it develop over the past four years. he has been great for our team. We’re going to miss him a lot.”
While Bullard doesn’t plan on playing golf in college at University of Indianapolis, he said he will continue to compete when he gets the chance.
“I’ve been golfing since the sixth grade. It’s a game you can play your whole life,” Bullard said.
For all of his accomplishments this season, The Tribune has named Bullard the 2018 Boys Golfer of the Year.
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Joining Bullard on the 2018 All-Jackson County team:
Brayton Hattabaugh, Brownstown Central, senior
9/18 averages: 42, 83.6.
Other: BC MVP, All-Mid-Southern Conference.
Hunter Browning, Seymour, senior
9/18 averages: 41.5, 83.4.
Other: Top-10 in 2 tournaments, 3x medalist.
Owen Marshall, Seymour, freshman
9/18 averages: 43.5, 87.25.
Other: SHS most improved.
Ethan Dippold, Seymour, freshman
9/18 averages: 44.7, 89.1.
Other: SHS sportsmanship award.
Noah Criswell, Trinity Lutheran, senior
9/18 averages: 45.9, 90.1.
Other: Academic All-State Honorable Mention, team captain, 2x medalist.
Jacob Keith, Trinity Lutheran, junior
9/18 averages: 42.9, 90.1.
Other: Trinity MVP, 2x medalist.
Will Amick, Crothersville, junior
9/18 averages: 46, 95.
Other: CHS MVP.
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