In spring 2024, six students participated in “Covering the U.S. Open,” a Journalism special-study class taught by Journalism Sports Lecturer Ryan Hunt. The class included travel to Pinehurst, North Carolina, the site of the 2024 U.S. Open, as well as to local and final-round qualifiers. Students were required to create original content, both on-deadline and larger-scale event features. In this piece by Journalism freshman Jada Ross, Jada shares her experiences in the class and on the road at U.S. Open tournaments.

By Jada Ross, Journalism freshman

The “Covering the U.S. Open” class was truly a transformative experience for me. I didn’t know much about golf initially, but I wanted to learn. Coming out of the class, I know so much more about golf and feel competent when discussing the game. My whole family was very impressed with how much I learned, especially my grandpa, a big golf fan.

As I watched, talked about, read about and researched golf, I began to pick up the lingo. This was reflected in my writing, as I noticed it got progressively better with each story. While I still need to work on things like the order of events, keeping my writing dynamic, and specific details, I can see a difference between my first and most recent stories.

In my interview during the course application process, we talked about how I wanted to take this class to learn how to find my own stories, get my own interviews, grow my reporting skills and build relationships. I was able to do all of those things in this class.

I started with a video story from Palm Coast, Florida, a first-round local qualifier on May 14. But I transitioned more into writing because sports writing is an area I wanted to work on and grow in.

Something significant I learned after the Palm Coast qualifier was the importance of going in with an open mind and being flexible with my story ideas. I don’t usually go into something without a rigid and detailed plan, but having to pivot on my first story of the class was a significant part of my journey. Learning to be more open-minded helped me grow as a journalist because it gave me the time and space to find unique stories, which is what I wanted to learn how to do.

It was interesting transitioning from the qualifiers, where getting interviews with golfers was less structured, to the U.S. Open in Pinehurst where there was a much more formal process. Having it set up this way forced me to dig a little deeper and go out of my comfort zone to make connections and secure interviews. I had to physically chase a couple of players down in Pinehurst and in Jupiter, Florida, another qualifier event. As a result, I became friends with Italian golfer Eduardo Molinari’s coach, met a long-time family friend of Polish golfer Adrian Meronk, developed connections with golfer and UF alumnus Parker Bell’s family, learned to approach and talk to big-name golfers, etc.

As the youngest student in the class, I did my best to challenge myself. One thing that may not seem like a big deal to others but asking a question at Swedish golfer Ludvig Åberg’s press conference was to me. Being exposed to major press conferences for the first time and speaking in one was nerve-racking. Being the youngest and the only female in the room was very intimidating. Multiple times I almost left the room entirely, but staying and asking that question was one of the best things I could have done for myself and my confidence level because it allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and get past my mental block.

(Editor’s note: Click here to read Ross’ story about the internationalization of golf.)

While I developed a lot of tactical skills during my time in this class, I was also able to work on strengthening my interpersonal skills and building connections, another goal of mine going into this class. Relationships and connections are a considerable aspect of this industry, and I made the most of that at Pinehurst. I received some fantastic advice from professionals in the field and found colleagues willing to continue to advise me and look over some of my content in the future. I wouldn’t have been able to do this if it weren’t for this opportunity.

This experience has left an indelible mark on my career path and solidified my passion and excitement for a career in sports journalism. I learned the importance of real-life, hands-on, applicable journalism experiences. I felt energized every day. I got everything and more out of this class that I wanted. This was a fantastic opportunity for me to have so early in my college and professional career.

For more student stories, visit https://www.jou.ufl.edu/category/covering-the-u.s.-open/.

In this video, Journalism senior Brooke Ginaitt reflects on her experience covering the U.S. Open.

Posted: July 15, 2024
Category: Covering the U.S. Open, Profiles
Tagged as: Brooke Ginaitt, Jada Ross, Sports@CJC, U.S. Open