Sports are family affair for Gullickson

Ranked the No. 1 golfer on the men's team, Peter Gullickson has experienced a lot of success at Gonzaga since graduating from Spokane's Lewis and Clark High School in 2010. He attributed a large amount of his achievement to his family.

"I wouldn't be here without my family's support," Gullickson said.  "They have been the greatest, sacrificing time and money so I can go play tournaments and practice."

Head Coach Robert Gray seconded Gullickson.

"Peter has an outstanding support network from his family. They've supported him at all times, even when his scores haven't been what he wants," Gray said.

Gullickson's high school career is filled with impressive statistics and accomplishments. One highlight was assisting his team in winning the Washington State Class 4A title. He has continued to add achievements to the list at Gonzaga, tying for No. 17 overall at the West Coast Conference Championship last year, finishing second on the GU team.

Not only has the sophomore racked up many personal accomplishments, but his family's athletic history is also impressive. Both of his siblings and mom played competitive tennis in college. His sister, Anna, followed  in her mother, Catherine's, footsteps to the University of Portland. Gullickson's brother, Benjamin, ventured to the College of William and Mary. 

"My older brother and sister played Division I tennis, so I learned by watching them what it means to practice hard," Gullickson said. "I have my goals written down on a piece of paper that hangs in my room, and just by reading them I become inspired and I get an itch to go practice."

Gullickson swung a tennis racket instead of a golf club until the age of 12. At 14, he began to play in golf tournaments and tennis quickly faded. Since then, he has focused completely on that aspect of his athletic career, choosing that as his sole sport in high school. Now, Gullickson cannot get enough golf.

 "I still love playing tennis with my sister and brothers though," Gullickson said. "My family also enjoys golf so when we plan our vacations, we make sure that golf is an option," Gullickson said. "I take my clubs everywhere with me."

Gullickson said his favorite course is Spyglass Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach, Calif. Gullickson said the course is designed well and it is straight-forward but still challenging. Spyglass Hill isn't the only favorite of Gullickson's. Ernie Els is the golfer Gullickson admires and idolizes.

"His swing is so pure, and on the golf course he always looks like he is having a good time, always with a smile on his face," Gullickson said.

Coach Gray noted similar traits in Gullickson. "Peter has the ability to get his mind away from the game between shots most of the time and when he's not playing well, he analyzes what's going on but doesn't panic about shooting a big number," Gray said.

Gray also spoke of how young the team is this season, with six underclassmen, including Gullickson. He hopes the other players learn from Gullickson, and pick up on the relaxed nature he embodies. Gray said you cannot be focused while on the course four hours at a time, and Gullickson does a great job of relaxing between shots but turning on the focus when it's time to hit a shot.

"I enjoy facing the challenges presented to me on the golf course alone," Gullickson said. "There is no teammate to rely on, no teammate to back me up, which means every round I play, I have to find a way to play through the challenges."

Gullickson was sure to express how enriched his college career has become through playing for Gonzaga. Despite the added work, he wouldn't have it any other way.

Working hard toward his goals is Gullickson's focus right now. "I would like to have a scoring average of 72 at the end of the season, and I would also like to win a tournament." In the long run, Gullickson hopes to aid the team and win the WCC tournament.

"Peter has the talent to win multiple tournaments over his career and be a top player in the country," Gray said, echoing what Gullickson said he hoped to accomplish. "He's grown so much mentally since last year and his game has improved in a lot of areas."

Gullickson has taken notice of the advancements in his game since he has been working closely with Gray, and being pushed during workouts and practice. "As his wedge and short game improve, he's going to win," Gray said. "I'd like to see him continue to finish strong this season and get a win under his belt."

Not only speaking highly of the team, Gullickson complimented his teammates as well. He said they all hope to see one another do well, and support and help each other in any way possible. They all have a good time on the course when they're competing.

"Peter is very easygoing and social," said Gray. "He helps to keep the team loose on the road, which is a big help, especially with such a young team. He also plays a mean tennis game and has some solid dance moves."

Dance moves aside, Gray has been coaching Gullickson primarily on his short game, but taking time to work on the mental aspect as well. Together, they focus on moving forward one shot at a time. Gray hopes that he can help prepare his player for the state of mind Gullickson will find himself in when he gets himself in the hunt to win big tournaments.

"Sometimes you just have to go through the experience of competing for the title before you know how to deal with it emotionally," Gray said. "We have some strong competition this season, but he can beat them."