Gray Campbell
For Gray Campbell, golf has always been more than just a sport. From swinging clubs in his backyard as a kid to competing at the collegiate level for Union University, his journey has been shaped by hard work, perseverance, and a desire to leave an impact beyond the leaderboard.
Growing up, Gray’s introduction to golf came through his father, who was an avid Tiger Woods fan. Watching Tiger on TV and occasionally hitting in the backyard sparked an interest that never faded. Over time, his love for the game deepened, and when it came to deciding his college path, he knew he wanted to compete.
“I didn’t want to go to school just to go to school,” Gray says. “I love competing, and this was the best avenue to do it.”
Union University became the perfect fit for him. The opportunity to play immediately and gain valuable experience was crucial, and being close to home made it even better.
Unlike many athletes with family ties to coaching, Gray doesn’t feel extra pressure being the son of Union’s women’s basketball head coach and athletic director, Mark Campbell. Instead, he embraces the benefits of having his dad close by.
“I think the best thing is that if I ever need to talk about something, his office is right there,” Gray shares. “We’re really close—he’s my best friend. He knows about golf, but I don’t take golf advice from him. What I do take is all the experience he has dealing with people and the mental side of things.”
Golf, however, isn’t just about talent. Gray has learned that success comes from discipline, preparation, and mental toughness. He credits his development to understanding the importance of being detail-oriented, putting in the work before a tournament, and staying focused on the moment rather than the outcome.
“You can’t just go out there and freewheel it,” he explains. “If you put in the prep beforehand, you’ll be ready whenever the moment comes.”
One of his most memorable moments on the course came when he made back-to-back eagles—an extremely rare feat in golf.
“It was wild. I almost guarantee I’ll never do anything like that again,” he recalls. “I wasn’t even sure where the ball landed, and then I saw my parents put their hands up. The next hole, I wasn’t really thinking about making another one, but it just went in perfectly. I just dropped my club and looked at my dad like, ‘What in the world just happened?’”
But Gray isn’t just focused on his own game—he’s committed to being a leader for his team. While golf is often seen as an individual sport, playing at the collegiate level has given him a new appreciation for the team dynamic.
“You’re playing for something bigger than yourself,” he says. “You can have a bad first or second day, but then play well on the third day, and it still matters to your team. That’s what makes it enjoyable.”
As for the future, Gray is considering turning professional after college, knowing the road ahead won’t be easy. Still, he refuses to let fear hold him back.
“I don’t want to be 40 and think, ‘Man, maybe I should have tried,’” he says.
Beyond golf, Gray hopes to be remembered for more than his performance on the course. While results matter, he strives to leave a lasting impact through his character and faith.
“At the end of the day, no one’s going to remember what I did at a Division II school in Tennessee,” he reflects. “What matters is how I use this platform to glorify God and help others. That’s the most important thing.”
With his determination, leadership, and grounded perspective, Gray Campbell is proving that his success isn’t just measured by strokes on a scorecard, but by the way he influences those around him—on and off the course.
