The BYU–Hawaii men’s golf team members finds themselves in a historic season after their first-ever tournament victory at the Mustang Intercollegiate Tournament. With the win, the Seasiders jumped up in the national rankings to their highest ranking ever: #15. On April 20, the team was invited to its first NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championship South Central and West Regional.
To go along with this unique and historic run, the golf team also features a unique international team member, junior Nico Herrera. Born and raised in Colombia, Herrera is in his second year of playing at BYUH and has been a key member in the team’s historic season.
In a country dominated by a love and passion for soccer, Herrera is somewhat of an anomaly. “I love soccer, to watch it or play it, but growing up my dad always taught me golf,” said Herrera. His father and a few of his uncles played golf in college in the United States, and one of his uncles, Roberto Herrera, even played at BYUH from 1986-1987. “My dad always showed me golf, and I’m grateful for that because it has brought me here to the United States.”
Playing golf in Colombia had its difficulties, as many of Herrera’s achievements and wins went unnoticed by those outside of his family. “In Colombia, playing golf was kind of hard because so much focus is on soccer,” said Herrera. Regardless of the lack of notice, he continued to thrive with the full support of his family.
After graduating from high school in Colombia in 2012, Herrera wanted to come to the United States to attend college and play golf. Herrera’s first choice was to go and play at BYU in Provo, but after not passing a mandatory English test, he chose to attend Bellevue University in Nebraska.
After having a stellar year there and gaining a better mastery of English, Herrera decided to transfer to BYUH. He was accepted to the school and golf team, and although he still had BYU in Provo as his goal, he quickly fell in love with BYUH. “I just love this place. I love my teammates and the coach so I decided to stay and finish here,” said Herrera.
Even though Herrera is not a member of the LDS Church, he still wanted to come to BYUH to continue his family’s legacy in Laie. The change in coming to a predominantly LDS school was big for Herrera, but he said it has been a positive experience. “It has been totally different then what I expected. The people here have been great and the principles I have learned from the Church and the school have been nice. I do not regret my decision at all to come here,” he said.
Besides the great school and student atmosphere, Herrera said he has enjoyed playing the sport he loves in Hawaii. The golf team practices at the Turtle Bay golf course, arguably one of the premiere public golf courses in the country. “I love the practice facilities here and getting to play in such a beautiful island,” said Herrera.
Herrera has one more year of eligibility left, and one more year of school left. After graduating in business marketing, Herrera said he plans to continue playing golf and hopes to one day make it to the PGA tour. “Ever since I was little and watching Tiger Woods play, I have wanted to be a professional golfer. I have the full support of my family so I definitely plan on continuing my golf career after college,” said Herrera.