Ben Pisani finds himself in Minnesota

Ben Pisani is a lot like any other student at the University of Minnesota.
He enjoys hanging out with friends, watching movies, watching Gophers football on Saturday and even the occasional cheeseburger.
Despite his standard American practices, the Minnesota senior led the men’s golf team in stroke average and top-20 finishes last year, which has solidified the Aussie’s spot in the lineup of a highly-respected golf program.
Pisani’s story begins in Brisbane, Australia where at an early age he learned the game of golf from his dad who consistently shot 1-over par.
Growing up he played several sports, but after many days spent at the golf course with friends, Pisani decided that golf was something he really enjoyed and began taking seriously at the age of 15.
In high school, Pisani won several tournaments and was named to the 2006 Australian National Squad. After graduation, he took a year off to play amateur golf.
Pisani’s junior record caught the eye of fellow Australian and Minnesota’s Director of Golf Brad James and associate head coach Andrew Tank, who brought Pisani to Minnesota in June 2006.
“Mentally and emotionally he was very mature for his age.” James said. “At that time, he may not have been the best player at that tournament … but I was looking for what type of player he could potentially be.”
But living up to that potential proved difficult for Pisani early in his collegiate career as he struggled to adjust to a new lifestyle.
“To begin with, I was a little unsettled, and I missed home a lot,” he said. “Eventually I got over those things and my game came around.”
Tank said Pisani’s struggles have made him a better golfer.
“I think the good thing is that he has gone through some adversity here at Minnesota,” Tank said. “That has forced him to learn about himself and I think that is why he is really starting to come into his own now.”
As one of only two seniors on the team, Pisani’s coaches see him as the leader for the young squad — a role he is comfortable with.
“From where I’ve come from in my freshman year to where I am now, I’ve done some things well and I’ve done some things not so well,” he said. “I can draw from those experiences to guide the younger fellows.”
The senior has made headlines already this year by shooting a 65 in the opening round of the Gopher Invitational, a course record that only lasted a day.
“I felt like I was in control of what I was doing that day,” he said. “It gives me a little extra belief that I can shoot low on very tough courses.”
Pisani will need this extra confidence going into his career, as he plans to begin his long journey to the PGA tour.
“It takes some time and it’s a bit of a process,” he said, “but it’s one I am looking forward to.”
After graduating, Pisani plans to enter into Q-school — a rigorous PGA qualifying tournament.
But for now, he is still looking forward to the rest of his senior year — one that he hopes will end in success.
“There is no doubt in our minds that we want to win the Big Ten championship this year,” Pisani said.