Rookie golfer Michael Yuen ’29 has swung his collegiate career in the right direction, quickly establishing a feel for the game. His impressive debut in the George Cangero International ended in a first-place finish with a 66 (-6) and a four-stroke lead in front of the runner-up. Completing the day at six-under-par, the Hong Kong native tied Swarthmore golf’s record for the lowest round completed. He also carded four birdies (one stroke under par on a hole) and an eagle (two strokes under par on a hole). For his performance, Yuen was named the Centennial Conference Golfer of the Week, the first of the season. In the opening round of the RPI Collegiate Invitational, Yuen ended the day in sixth place with a 73 (+2). On the second day, the rookie remained cool under pressure: he jumped four positions after making five birdies, securing a second-place overall finish with a dominant 72 (+1) performance one stroke behind the tournament winner. The big-time first-year performance also led the Garnet to a first-place win among fifteen teams, their first tournament win and third round victory. On Oct. 7, Yuen was awarded his second Centennial Conference Golf Athlete of the Week selection for his RPI Collegiate success.
The golf season came to a close on Oct. 12 following the Mason-Dixon Collegiate Invitational where the Garnet finished seventh of eighteen teams. Swarthmore golf returns to competition in the spring.
Aimee Lee: Congrats on your second Centennial Athlete the Week selection! How is your first season of collegiate golf going? Any new or different feelings?
Michael Yeun: It’s been a really memorable first season. College golf has pushed me to raise my game since the competition is stronger and every round counts. There have been ups and downs, but I’ve learned a lot and started to find my rhythm. Being part of a supportive team makes it even better, as everyone pushes each other and keeps things fun.
AL: The first year of college is full of new experiences. What are some memorable moments you reflect on? How has the team helped your transition from high school to collegiate athletics?
MY: There have been a lot of memorable moments, especially my first college tournament round, which was a big milestone for me. Being able to get to know my teammates has also been really special. Players from diverse backgrounds have given me great advice on managing college life and balancing everything.
AL: As the team is diving deeper into the fall, how do you feel about the rest of the semester?
MY: We just wrapped up the fall season. Over the winter, we’ll be practicing and working out a lot, and I’m really looking forward to that time with the team. I’m excited to see how all the work we put in over the next few months translates into the spring season.
AL: Competition days are full of nerves and excitement. How do you prepare for matches? Any game-day rituals?
MY: Before college, I mainly went over my game plan from the practice round. Since joining the team, I’ve started talking through the course with teammates and coaches to find the best strategy. On game day, I focus on getting into the right rhythm and “locking in” from the moment we arrive at the course.
AL: Who have you looked up to, athlete or non-athlete, for inspiration and motivation?
MY: The Hong Kong Team Head Coach, Tim Tang, has been a great supporter throughout my journey. He’s always believed in me and pushed me to keep improving, whether I’m representing my nation or competing in a college event. Since coming to Swarthmore, my teammates have been really supportive, and Coach [Tana] Thomas and Coach [Sarah] Braendel have provided great guidance both on and off the course, helping me adjust to college golf and continue growing as a person and player.
AL: What are some personal goals for the rest of the season? Team goals?
MY: Personally, my goal is to keep improving and become more consistent in every aspect of my game, whether that’s through technical work or developing a stronger mental approach. I want to take what I learned from the fall and build on it each tournament. As a team, we’re focused on using the offseason to get better together, with our main goals being to win the conference championship and qualify for nationals in the spring.
AL: Describe an ideal rest day. No external obligations, just 24 hours spent the way you would like to.
MY: Starting the day by sleeping in a bit, then spending some time doing light studying and working out sounds ideal. Finishing the day with hotpot and maybe unwinding with a few games of FIFA with the team would make it a perfect rest day.
AL: What is your favorite class that you’ve taken at Swarthmore? Do you know what you will be majoring in or are interested in?
MY: My favorite class so far has been CS 21: introduction to computer science. It’s been engaging and has strengthened my logical and analytical thinking, which connects with math as well. I’ve also enjoyed Math 25 with [Assistant Professor Ian Whitehead], where I not only learned about mathematical concepts but also applied these concepts to real-world projects like 3D printing. I plan to major in economics but really appreciate how Swarthmore’s liberal arts ethos lets me explore different fields like computer science and math simultaneously, while considering other career paths.
AL: What advice would you give to incoming students at Swarthmore?
MY: Explore what you like, take different courses, and come prepared. Swarthmore gives you the freedom to try new things, so don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and find what truly interests you.
AL: What is the last song you listened to?
MY: “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood.
