Golf Co-Captain Charlie Dubiel

Immense coordination, strength and sustained concentration are all major components of golf. 

Through the twelve years senior and captain Charlie Dubiel has been playing this sport, it has managed to embed its qualities into him. Dubiel, in his second year as captain, in his fourth year starting on the varsity team, shares the characteristics of the sport. He is reserved, composed and competitive—the perfect combination for a successful golf player. 

Dubiel started his golf career inspired by the members in his family. His dad is an avid golfer, who picked up the sport up after college. Moreover, his grandfather has been playing the game since he was barely ten years old, and eventually worked for Titleist/Footjoy and Cobra, major equipment companies for golf. With even his brother playing the sport, Dubiel has always seen golf as a way of spending time with his family.

At the mere age of seven, Dubiel was introduced to the sport by playing once every two weeks in the summers for fun. After Dubiel moved to Florida two years later, he realized his love for golf and started taking the sport seriously. 

He began spending more time on the course, and eventually quit playing his other sports, which included football, basketball and baseball. He dedicated his time to golf, and only golf. 

“When I’m home, I spend all morning and usually a good portion of the afternoon practicing, and tournaments can be a full six days including travel,” Dubiel explained. Through his hard work and commitment to the sport, Dubiel has consistently been one of the top players in varsity over the past four years. 

Individually, he medaled at the Andover Invitational in his upper year, a prestigious accomplishment. In the last two years, Dubiel has led his team to success, guiding them to a 90-5 record. He lead the team to a victory at the Kingswood Oxford Invitational in 2016. Finally, he will be continuing his golf career at Cornell, for their Division I golf program. 

Some factors that have contributed to Dubiel’s achievements are his ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. Dubiel expressed that it used to be easy for him to get frustrated with the sport but he’s learned to play level-headed. 

“The more I realize how fortunate I am to just be playing the game, the easier it is to keep my chin up and stay focused,” he explained. Dubiel’s change in attitude towards golf has not only allowed him to appreciate the sport more but also improved his results. 

“I’ve really noticed a difference in my ability to laugh at myself every once in while, take a few deep breaths and shrug off a bad swing before continuing to play steady golf,” he said. 

Many of Dubiel’s teammates have observed his calm presence during competitions. Senior Brian Choi reflected upon Dubiel’s composure, “He always seems calm and unflustered whether making a mistake or getting a good score. He just keeps his head down and plays the next shot,” Choi said. 

Prep William Huang echoed Choi’s sentiments and expressed his admiration for Dubiel’s “persistence and dedication to every shot.”

Dubiel is also regarded as an athlete on more of the quiet side and embraces leading “through example.” Choi recalled a specific memory when he struggled during a match and Dubiel reminded him to stay calm and play my own game. “He’s never showy, but he’ll always be there for you and speak up when it matters,” Choi added.  

Golf coach Robert Bailey commended Dubiel for the leadership skills that he displays, both as a senior and captain. “He is looked up to by his teammates and encourages his team mates day after day,” Bailey said. 

As one of the more experienced members of the team, Dubiel consistently helps his teammates become better players. 

Huang explained that Dubiel has helped the younger members by helping them with their swing and taking slow motion videos for them to further analyze. By putting focus on improving the golf skills of his teammates, Dubiel exemplifies the true meaning of “non-sibi.” 

Golf has been an essential part of Dubiel’s life in the last twelve years. Dubiel sees golf as more than just a sport. It is a way for him to spend quality time with his family, as well as an opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds and travel around the country. It has also taught him many valuable lessons and skills fundamental to his life. 

“At the end of the day, I’m just appreciative of how the game has shaped my life,” Dubiel said.