For James Patrick “JP” Carr, golf has always been more than just a sport – it has been a way of life. Growing up on Hilton Head Island, a community known for its golf culture, it was almost inevitable that he would pick up the game. Now, at 19 years old and a freshman at Christopher Newport University, Carr is carving out his own path in the competitive world of college golf.
Born just up the coast in Mount Pleasant, Carr moved to Hilton Head at the age of four. As a child, he dabbled in various sports, but it was golf that truly captivated him.
JP Carr with Zach Johnson, Ryder Cup Team Captain
“When you live on Hilton Head, there’s a lot of golf around,” he said. “My dad wanted to pick up a hobby, and I was just getting into sports, so I tried basketball, baseball, and golf. Golf was a big thing on Hilton Head, so that’s what stuck.”
By the time he was 10 or 11, Carr had already begun playing in competitive events, entering junior tournaments with the South Carolina Golf Association and the U.S. Kids Tour. His early success on the course only fueled his passion, and before long, he was dedicating himself fully to the game.
For many Hilton Head locals, the RBC Heritage is more than just a PGA Tour event – it’s a community tradition. Carr’s involvement with the tournament started when he was just nine years old, volunteering in small roles that gradually led to bigger responsibilities. “My first job was collecting caddy bibs,” he recalled. Over the years, he took on a variety of tasks, including being a standard bearer, working the range, and even caddying in the Pro-Am.
Carr and PGA Pro Kevin Kisner in 2017
Through his time at the tournament, Carr amassed an impressive collection of mementos. “I have at least 30 to 50 signed golf balls, 10 gloves, and a couple of hats from players,” he said.
His most prized possession is a caddy bib from the Pro-Am, signed by Xander Schauffele, one of the world’s top golfers. “Usually, the amateurs get to keep the bib at the end of the round, but the guy I was caddying for had played before and didn’t want it, so he let me have it. It’s still in my closet.”
Carr’s dedication to the RBC Heritage landed him in the Island Packet newspaper after he maneuvered through a crowd to get Dustin Johnson’s autograph when the former world No. 1 was at the peak of his career.
JP Carr and his dad, Patrick Carr, at Long Cove Golf Club
High school success and college decisions
By middle school, Carr had committed fully to golf, earning multiple tournament wins along the way. He claimed victories in events hosted by the South Carolina Junior Golf Association and the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, and he became a Long Cove Junior Club champion.
When it came time to choose a college, Carr drew interest from Division I programs but ultimately decided on Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia. While CNU is a Division III school and doesn’t offer athletic scholarships, Carr saw an opportunity to compete right away. “I wanted to go somewhere I could play as a freshman, and that’s what I’m doing here,” he said.
DJ Trahan and JP Carr at the Heritage, circa 2011
Another major factor in his decision was CNU’s elite golf facility, widely considered the best among Division III schools. The program has a strong track record of developing top players, including Alex Price, who won the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Award and later played for LSU. “Knowing that it’s still possible to reach that level from this school made it the right choice for me,” Carr said.
Carr wasted no time making an impact in his freshman season. He has already started in three events and played as an individual in another, showing the consistency and mental toughness required for success at the collegiate level. One of his proudest moments came in his first tournament when he shot under par in the second round – an impressive feat for a college debut.
Carr remains focused on his development at CNU and feels fortunate to be at a university like CNU that has excellent academics and outstanding golf facilities.
Ricky Fowler and JP Carr in 2017 at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow
Lessons from golf: Patience, focus, and resilience
Beyond trophies and accolades, golf has shaped Carr’s character in profound ways. He credits the game with teaching him patience, emotional control, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
“Golf teaches you to have a short memory when things go wrong – not to panic or freak out,” Carr said. “It’s about staying focused, being grateful for the opportunity to recover, and keeping a level head.”
His journey has also been supported by key mentors, including his longtime swing coach Tim Cooke, CNU head coach Jamie Coleman, and sports psychologists Dr. Morris Pickens and Dr. Tom Dorsel. Other swing coaches are Ben Blalock and Rob Stocke, who have worked with Carr over the years and been very instrumental in his development.
Of course, his biggest supporters have been his parents, who have invested time and resources into his success. “They drove me to tournaments, watched me play, and made sure I had everything I needed,” Carr said.
JP Carr is a standard bearer at the Heritage
Carr’s parents, Patrick and Starr, couldn’t be prouder. “We are so grateful for the lessons JP has learned through the game of golf, which has honed his character by teaching him patience, sportsmanship, discipline, hard work, dedication, and the importance of playing by the rules,” they said. “All of these traits will propel him into adulthood fully capable to face life’s challenges with grace and dignity.”
As for what comes next, Carr remains open to different paths. “When I was little, I wanted to be a professional golfer,” he said. “That’s still a possibility, but I need to get really good, really quickly. If I develop the way I hope to, I’d love to give it a shot.”
If the PGA Tour doesn’t come calling, he’s also considered the possibility of playing smaller professional events while balancing a career outside of golf. “There are tournaments where you can win anywhere from $300 to $5,000, and that would be a great way to stay competitive,” he said.
For now, Carr is focused on the present – improving his game, contributing to his team, and making the most of his college experience. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain – his journey in golf is far from over.
As Carr continues to make strides in his career, one lesson remains at the core of his mindset: “Stay patient, stay focused, and take every opportunity to get better.”
JP Carr warms up at Long Cove Golf Club before a tournament in March
