GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The story is familiar to those who know
John DuBois and his path to UF.
They know that after winning the Class 1A state championship as a senior at The First Academy in Orlando, defeating former No. 1-ranked junior player and current Alabama standout Canon Claycomb in a playoff, DuBois planned to play college golf at Florida Southern.
While the unassuming DuBois had established his place as a promising junior golfer in the state, he was somewhat under the radar. DuBois is not a flashy, in-your-face type of guy. He is more of a steady, solid-as-a-rock guy.
"He's one of the most mature players I've ever had,'' Gators head coach JC Deacon said. "He does it all right. He's got an amazing ability to stay in the moment. That is an incredible skill for a golfer."
DuBois grew up around the game in the central Florida community of Windermere, the son of a pair of golfers who taught him the game's finer points. His mother, Amy Childers DuBois, played at USF and later on several professional tours as she chased a spot on the LPGA Tour. His father, George DuBois, met Amy at USF and would sometimes caddy for her during her professional career.
By the time John and his older sister Olivia came along, Amy was retired as a professional but had passed along some of those golf genes to John. He fiddled around with clubs and tagged along with his parents to the course as kids do at first, but as DuBois got older, he developed a true gift for the game.
"He's embraced and taken advantage of opportunities he's been given,'' Amy said. "I think he understands opportunities. He did his own thing. He had his own swing. We didn't have to teach him much. It just kind of went from there."
Meanwhile, DuBois recognized an unexpected chance at Florida following his verbal commitment to Florida Southern. Deep down, DuBois said he always wanted to play at Florida but that opening the door never seemed possible.
The Gators had signed a deep and talented first-year class in 2019, and DuBois figured his college experience would be in Lakeland, not Gainesville.
"I was never really recruited that highly,'' DuBois said. "I won a few events in high school and junior golf, nothing too big. I was prepared to play college golf there. Then a spot opened at Florida."
Gators junior John DuBois with his parents Amy Childers DuBois and George DuBois after winning the SEC Individual Championship last month. (Photo: Leslie White: UAA Communications)
When then-UF assistant Mark Leon and Deacon began to seek another player after a last-minute decommitment, they turned their attention to DuBois.
Three years later, Deacon considers it a stroke of good fortune that has paid enormous dividends for the Gators as they open play in the NCAA Regional on Monday at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens. DuBois enters the tournament as the reigning Southeastern Conference individual champion following a breakout performance last month.
DuBois shot a second-round 64 at the SEC Championship to move into contention. He then outdueled runner-up Gordon Sargent of Vanderbilt in the final round to join Gators such as Steve Melnyk and Gary Koch, Brian Gay and
Billy Horschel in winning the individual title.
DuBois' first collegiate victory validates further his rise in the program after the modest arrival.
"We loved John's swing. He just looked like a good player, but we had a very accomplished 2019 class of commitments,'' Deacon said. "The timing worked out. We kept an eye out on him, and he kept an eye on us. Fate had it for him to be here. It has turned out to be a perfect fit. My life is certainly a lot better thanks to having
John DuBois in it."
It doesn't take long to get a read on the likable DuBois. In the interview for this story, DuBois expressed his thoughts like a 10-year PGA Tour veteran instead of a college junior taking a turn in the spotlight.
He said keys to the victory included working on his short game with Gators assistant
Dudley Hart, his course management off the tee, and his usual even-keel approach. In other words, business as usual the way he prefers.
"Small steps. It's a long process,'' DuBois said. "There is nothing special to it. It's just going out pretty much six days a week and working on something that you need to improve on and trying to get really good at what you are already good at."
DuBois can thank mom for much of that mindset. Amy always tried to keep the game simple when she played and check her emotions at the clubhouse. She passed along that approach to John.
Hit your spot. Put the ball in the hole. Have fun.
John did the rest. He was always a receptive student. He did his homework without having to be told. He was eager to practice without being pushed. He made friends quickly and impressed his teachers at an early age.
Of course, Amy is a proud mom, but she sensed John had something about him even at a young age that put others at ease and helped him navigate the world a little smoother.
"He's been like that ever since he started school,'' Amy said. "John is a real precise kid. He knows what it takes."
Deacon sees it, too.
"He's just really pleasant to be around. I don't know any other way to explain it,'' Deacon said. "He keeps things really loose and doesn't really take things too seriously. He is literally a coach's dream because he helps our culture and, obviously, he is helping our score on the scoreboard."
The road has not been without a speed bump or two. DuBois was forced to watch at times during his UF career because of the team's deep lineup. He remained committed, focused on the work and not the situation, and now has a signature that few saw coming. He entered the SEC Championship unranked.
DuBois' career highlight might have altered perceptions from outsiders, but don't expect him to suddenly alter the ingredients to his formula. He is too grounded for that. DuBois relies on advice from UF's coaches but works on his craft without a regular swing coach.
"I just kind of do my own thing,'' he said. "Just knowing I can compete and win is a good feeling. I try to keep it very simple."
Wonder where he got that approach from. In fact, what's his mom's game like these days?
"She still plays, and she still hits it really well,'' DuBois said. "Her swing is still buttery. I love watching her hit the ball. She still has all that talent. She doesn't play that often, but when she does, it just doesn't look like she ever took a break."
The DuBois family will have an SEC champion in its foursome the next time the family hits the course together. While his mom's professional career is behind her, John's future appears as bright as the South Florida sun the Gators will play under this week.
One of his biggest fans can't wait to see what's next.
"I'm excited for John,'' Amy said. "I know he has worked really hard. I know he loves the game and what comes with the game. He loves the history and the people that play it. I think he really likes where he is right now."
