Weaver, AL – After years of attempting at beating his dad in golf and the relentless pursuit of his game has led Ledbetter to a full-ride chance on the course at Talladega College
By Joe Medley
For golfers they are the opponents on the course and, to an some extent, the golfer her. Nick Ledbetter had to advance over his dad to get to that point.
The rounds and the constant work on his game landed him the current Calhoun County high school champion and the state runner-up a full ride to the college.
Ledbetter announced his official signing on Wednesday when he signed up to play Division II Talladega College before a Weaver High gymnasium filled with families, students, and students from various schools.
Sitting at a table that is covered in a red Weaver-themed cover. It was adorned with awards and plaques from his entire career and sitting in front of the backdrop of red, that was dotted with paw-clawed Weaver “W” emblems Ledbetter reduced his eyes to smother his emotions when Weaver Coach Justin Brown’s tone cracked on the podium.
Ledbetter then signed his document after which he stood back up, and embraced his father Michael Keith Ledbetter, and mother, Nikki Ledbetter.
“You each and every one of my rocks,” He said at the end of his appearance on the podium.
For a long time Ledbetter’s dad was his most difficult opponent at the golf course.
“That’s what we did over the weekend, along with my two children and me,” Michael Ledbetter said. “”He was always playing, and he was always trying to beat his dad.”
Nick Ledbetter called beating his father “all I’ve ever wanted be able to do” after he had gotten over the excitement of watching his ball splash into the water.
“When I first began with golf, I was adamant to simply hit the ocean,” he said. “I’d walk to the lake and hit was there. If I happen to hit with the surface of water I’m angry.”
His dad would beat him until the age of 12, and a some near misses before it ever occurred.
“There was a time that I had a tie with him for eight holes. I bogeyed three times at the 9th hole and I wept because I beat him,” he said. “I was furious.
“Now, it’s backward. I’m trying to get him beat. He’s chasing my score which is why it’s awesome how it turned out.”
Ledbetter was a tireless worker to get his way. Brown recounted the story of going by his star’s home when Ledbetter was in sixth grade and spotting a field filled with golf balls.
Ledbetter was Weaver’s No. one player when he was a seventh grader. Brown acknowledges that the student is responsible for being more active than the coach to promote playing at Weaver.
Ledbetter’s work ethic sets his character out, Brown said.
“About two years ago I sat with Nick in the summer and we were going to play golf in Silver Lakes,” Brown stated. “He appeared tired and I asked him”Why do you look like you’re so exhausted?
“He declared, ‘It’s the 19th day in the same row of playing 18 holes.'”
The job led to opportunities. Ledbetter admitted to considering Southern Union however having a full time game in Talladega College also afforded him the opportunity to play a lot in rounds at the college’s residence golf course … Cider Ridge which is located in Oxford. Ledbetter is the club’s reigning champion.
“For the first few months of practicing I’ll find my parking space directly in the front of the entrance,” he said. “That’ll be awesome.”
Cider Ridge owner and president Cory Etter put in a note regarding Ledbetter in a letter to Talladega College coach Tim King who played with Ledbetter.
“He loved my playing style, and offered me a full-time trip,” Ledbetter said. “I contemplated the possibility for three months, as I longed to get away. I was thinking about Southern Union and getting to reside in Auburn. It would be amazing living in Auburn however I think Talladega will provide more favorable over the long haul.” It’s a good idea to Read more stories about sports ….[ read more sports stories
