Meet the Crimson Tide Golf Team: John Raser
4/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
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By Matt Hooper
UA Media Relations
Since he was a toddler, golf has been an integral part of John Raser’s life. His father, Gary Raser, a veteran of the PGA Tour, as well as the Australian/New Zealand Tour, began nurturing his son’s gift at age 3. Now 20, Raser is making his own name at the Capstone after transferring from Georgia State University. He was a member of the best high school golf team in America in 2001, Lake Highland Prep. He finished his prep career with a top 100 individual ranking and an induction into his school’s Hall of Fame, along with current PGA Tour newcomer, Ty Tyron. In the following interview, John recalls his early experiences on the links, reveals his dream foursome and gives us a peak into what should be a very bright future.
When did you first start playing?
“I started playing when I was three years old. I didn’t start playing competitively though until I was in eighth or ninth grade. But I took up the game very young.”
Who influenced you most to take up the game?
“My dad played on the PGA Tour in the late 60s and early 70s, so I kind of grew up around golf, and I learned it from him.”
What do you remember about your early experiences playing the game?
“I remember playing out in the backyard with plastic golf clubs and plastic golf balls, that sort of thing. When I was eight or nine, I remember being out on the golf course everyday, and I would run into the house and let my dad know how I played. I remember my first birdie. I ran home and grabbed my dad and brought him to the course as it was getting dark. I showed him where my tee shot went and marked it off with tees on the ground to show him exactly where it was. I showed him where the ball was on the green and how far the putt was.”
What has been your most memorable moment or memory on the golf course?
“My most memorable moment was getting to go with my dad to Scotland and playing on the Old Course at Saint Andrews. We went out, just the two of us, and played out there.”
What was your high school experience like?
“We were No. 1 in the country, and I think we still have the record for most rounds ever recorded in high school history at 15-under-par. We were undefeated in my senior year, and one of my teammates, Ty Tyron is playing on the PGA Tour right now, and he’s only 18-years-old.”
You originally played at TCU before transferring to Georgia State University. How exactly did you wind up at the University of Alabama?
“I transferred to Alabama from GSU in Atlanta.... Coach (Jay) Seawell had recruited me at Augusta State originally and I loved him, I loved the team, but I didn’t love the school there. When he left and came to Alabama, I decided to give him a call. I told him that he was the only coach I wanted to play for, and that I wanted to transfer and join him at Alabama.”
How has the Crimson Tide experience been so far?
“It has been great, the team chemistry we have here has been better than anything else I have seen in college. We do everything together; we have a real positive atmosphere. Coach Seawell is a great leader and a great motivator.”
Who are your favorite golfers on the PGA Tour right now?
“I would have to say Ernie Els and John Cook. John Cook’s son went to my high school as well, and he was our high school head coach, which was cool. He was a great guy.”
Who would make up your dream foursome?
“My dream foursome would be my dad, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and myself, of course.”
Do you plan to play professional golf after college?
“Actually, when I was at Georgia State last year, I contemplated quitting school altogether. I figured all the transfer stuff would be too complicated, especially since I was already a junior, and I contemplated turning pro then. But now, I have two years left here, and I’m going to finish school and turn pro right after I graduate.”
