Keeping Up: PVHS alumnus and former golfer working as tax accountant for PGA of America Tour

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Anthony Scolapio has a job that keeps him close to the sport he loves.

The Ponte Vedra High School graduate has been working as a tax accountant for the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America Tour. He landed the position after graduating from LaGrange College, where he excelled as a golfer.

"It's like perfect where I'm at now," he said. "Short drive to work. Hours are pretty good."

And Scolapio gets to golf recreationally during free time.

"I haven't been pursuing pro golf," he said. "I've been so busy at work. I'll play on the weekends. I still play a lot but not as much as in college."

Scolapio was a Division III Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar his senior year. He was an all-USA South Athletic Conference second team selection as a junior, posting a career-low 75.68 stroke average in eight events, which was second on the team. He was an all-conference third team pick as a freshman, finishing with a 76.71 scoring average in 10 events.

He said his junior year was the most rewarding, since he shaved more than two shots from his stroke average the previous season. He placed second in the Chick-fil-A Collegiate Invitational to lead the Panthers.

"I wish our team was a bit better that year," he said. "That happened to be the year I was really on. Being in contention in tournaments was definitely something I can look back on."

He said his career evolved as well as he expected.

"I obviously wanted to play at a bigger school," Scolapio said. "I made the most of it definitely."

Indeed, the smaller campus atmosphere allowed him to shine.

"It was good for me," he said. "It wasn't too hectic. I didn't get lost in the crowd."

Although he doesn't rule out an attempt at a pro career some day, he's using this time to polish his game.

"Golf's just something you can get better at," he said. "I've actually been playing better. If it ever gets to the point I get better and get a little more confident, I would pursue it."

All parts of his game have improved, Scolapio said.

"My tee ball distance is pretty good," he said. "I feel like I could drive the ball as far as some of the pros. My accuracy's been getting a bit better."

 

Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com.