E63 | CJ Holland's Golfing Greatness: From Baseball Beginnings, Junior Tour Dominance, to College Aspirations

Happy Hour Holidaze

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What does it take for a young athlete to transition seamlessly from one sport to another while becoming a dominant force in the world of junior golf? In this insightful and inspiring episode of *Happy Hour Holidaze*, hosts Sean and Manny Febre sit down with CJ Holland, a rising star who’s taking the junior golf scene by storm. At just 15 years old, CJ has already achieved remarkable success, ranking 31st on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour and earning accolades as one of the top young golfers in his district.
CJ’s journey began at the age of two, when he first picked up a plastic club and started swinging away in his backyard. Supported by his family, particularly his father and grandfather, CJ's passion for golf grew as he spent time on the putting greens and golf courses near his grandparents’ home. His story took a pivotal turn in eighth grade when he made the bold decision to leave baseball behind—despite excelling as a Little League All-Star—to focus entirely on golf. Since then, his game has evolved dramatically, earning him multiple top finishes in highly competitive tournaments.
In this episode, CJ opens up about the challenges he faced transitioning from baseball to golf, including how he maintains distinct swings for both sports. His natural ability to keep his golf and baseball swings unaffected by one another surprised his coaches, allowing him to master the game without compromising his mechanics. CJ also discusses the mental toughness required to excel in competitive golf, sharing the highs and lows of his journey, from dominating his first tournament at West Chase with a 12-shot victory to navigating the pressure of tournaments like the Under Armour World Tour.
Listeners will be captivated by CJ’s deep insights into the game. He talks about his preferred shot shape—a controlled baby draw—and how he strategically adjusts his approach based on the specific demands of Tampa’s challenging courses. From Plantation Palms to West Chase, CJ shares his experiences playing on some of the toughest courses in the region, offering valuable tips for young golfers on how to handle different course layouts and challenging conditions.
The episode delves into the nuances of tournament play, with CJ revealing how he deals with the mental aspects of competition, including overcoming setbacks and staying focused after a rough start. Whether it's a bad hole that shakes his confidence or the pressure of playing in front of scouts and crowds, CJ provides a candid look at the mindset required to succeed in golf. He also shares how his therapist and mental coach have helped him develop the resilience needed to bounce back stronger after tough rounds.
In addition to golf, CJ discusses his well-rounded lifestyle, balancing his rigorous training schedule with school, social life, and other interests. He shares his love for fishing, which serves as a peaceful retreat from the demands of competitive sports, and talks about how he finds time to unwind with friends despite his packed schedule.
For those interested in the technical side of golf, this episode dives into CJ’s equipment choices and training regimen. He gives listeners a breakdown of what’s in his bag, including his Titleist TSI driver, TaylorMade P790 irons, and Scotty Cameron putter. CJ explains how he fine-tuned his set to suit his game and the importance of finding the right equipment that complements your play style. He also walks us through his shot distances, offering a peek into the precision and consistency that have made him a standout in his age group.
From helping his high school team reach the state championships to competing in prestigious junior tournaments and eventually playing college golf, CJ’s goals are ambitious yet grounded. He talks about his top college choices.

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1. E63 | CJ Holland's Golfing Greatness: From Baseball Beginnings, Junior Tour Dominance, to College Aspirations (00:00:00)

2. Transitioning From Baseball to Golf (00:00:21)

3. Mental Struggles in Youth Golf (00:03:39)

4. Junior Golf Tour Rankings and Competition (00:10:54)

5. College Golf Goals and Favorite Pros (00:18:19)

6. Shot Memories and Course Management (00:27:22)

7. Golf Equipment and Yardage Conversation (00:36:10)

8. Golf Course Experience and Future Goals (00:45:42)

9. "Sticking to Your Golf Goals" (00:54:13)