For Gavin and Griffin Hare, playing a sport together on the same team has been a dream since they were kids. Now, freshman golfer Gavin and redshirt senior Griffin are turning that dream into reality at Ball State.
After never getting to share the course as teammates growing up, the sibling duo is now able to experience something rare — playing a Division 1 sport with a sibling. With Griffin earning a red-shirt after the Coronavirus pandemic, Gavin saw his opportunity to hit the course together.
Although his older brother played a role in committing to the Cardinals, Gavin said Griffin always wanted him to make a future for himself and go where he belonged.
“He wanted it to be my own decision … Sometimes, it would sway other ways,” Gavin said. “It was hard because it's a long process, but at the end of the day, in the back of my mind, I knew this is where I wanted to be.”
When Gavin committed to Ball State, Griffin was excited for the opportunity to compete with his brother.
Griffin was able to watch the whole recruitment process unfold. He remembers the big milestones throughout the process and the excitement felt for his family.
“I remember the moment when coach [Mike] Fleck gave him his first phone call,” Griffin said. “Then, when he finally gave [Gavin] his offer, and then once he committed, I was pretty excited. I knew what was happening, step by step. And once he committed, it was a really cool experience to have shared with him and our other family.”
When Ball State head coach Mike Fleck recruited Griffin, he was not yet aware of his younger brother. But with the knowledge of Indiana high school golf recruiting — and awareness of the program at Tipton High School where the brothers attended — it wasn’t long before Fleck became acquainted with Gavin.
“One of my jobs is to follow Indiana Junior Golf. And with Griffin having gone through Tipton, their golf program was pretty good,” Fleck said
Although the brothers share a surname and grew up together, the similarities end when they get on the golf course. Gavin and Griffin are built differently and have their own distinctive playing styles.
“Griffin has had some success and has played in some [United States Golf Association] events,” Fleck said. “In his career here at Ball State, he has played quite a bit in collegiate tournaments. But obviously, when you look at them, you see a physical difference.”
Their parents, Jason and Stacy Hare come to tournaments to support both of their sons, which was something they were unable to do during their sons’ pre-collegiate athletic careers.
“It has to be so cool for them to be able to come to tournaments and be able to cheer for two Hare kids,” Griffin said. “We've never been teammates before at our previous school in Tipton. So, it's a blessing since we're five years apart. And without COVID-19, believe it or not, I wouldn't be here with Gavin.”
Both brothers are highly competitive athletes. That competitiveness is not limited to the golf course, and they both want the best for each other no matter the situation.
“We are very competitive at everything we do,” Griffin said. “No matter if it's playing [NBA] 2K or golf, he'd tell you the same thing. We're always going to be big supporters of each other. He wants me to shoot 62, but he just wants to shoot 61. He wants the best out of me. So, in terms of trash talk — if it happens — it's all positive. I love that competition we have.”
Although Fleck has had limited time around Gavin, he has seen similarities between the brothers. Both are huge Notre Dame football fans and when the Fighting Irish lost to Mid-American Conference contender Northern Illinois in week two of the college football season, he let the brothers hear it.
Fleck has noticed a quick improvement and adjustment to campus from Gavin. Some of this, he believes, is due to his brother’s leadership and guidance. Having an older brother around makes things just a little bit easier on an 18-year-old kid.
“Having that firsthand experience with him, being here for so long, I kind of relied on him for all the questions I had about the program,” Gavin said. “It's helped me transition from high school to college very easily … he wants the best for me, and I really appreciate that.”
Coming from a small town together, to playing at the division one level, they cherish the memories made while growing up together. They give all the credit to their parents, who have allowed them to play some of the best courses in the country and have helped them achieve their goals.
“It was unreal just being from a small town and being able to be part of the crown of amateur golf. It was awesome,” Gavin said. “We're very blessed and thankful for the support our parents have given us to be able to go play some places that they play on tour.”
With the fall season still young, and the spring yet to come, both brothers are expected to be contributors for the Cardinals. Both Griffin and Gavin being in the lineup this spring is something the Hare household can look forward to.
“I would envision that if both of those guys are playing at a high level, there's no reason not to think they aren't going to be major contributors through the rest of the season,” Fleck said.
Contact Logan Connor via email at logan.connor@bsu.edu or via X @_loganconnor
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