Cameron back in Indians' swing of things

Updated: April 9, 2011 7:38PM

The golf landscape in Northwest Indiana is littered with excellent players this year.

Tyler Nicol of Boone Grove, Bobby Jacobs and Kyle Meihofer of Valparaiso and Nick Grubnich of Crown Point are just the starting point for what promises to be an eventful year.

Add TC Cameron of Lake Central to that list.

When Cameron last played, as a freshman, he was one of those rare young talents who had all the stuff to be as good as anyone. He was long off the tee and really good with his mid-irons.

His high school career took a detour last year, though, when he separated his shoulder playing hockey in the winter. The injury, which he aggravated jumping into a swimming pool over spring break, cost him his sophomore season of golf when doctors decided surgery was required.

It was a tough blow for Cameron, who was reduced to cheerleader after playing at the No. 3 position for the Indians as a freshman. He just missed qualifying for the state finals by two strokes.

"I'm really looking forward to getting out there," Cameron said. "This should be lots of fun."

His coach, John Schneider, is also looking forward to his return.

With Mike Barenie, a junior and Cameron, he possibly has the best junior duo in the area.

Both of those two are fighting it out for the No. 1 position. Schneider says that Cameron has a slight lead so far.

"He's looking good," Schneider said of Cameron. "He's playing well. Losing him really hurt us. He was really disappointed he couldn't play last year."

Cameron returned to his freshman form last summer in the Post-Tribune Junior Match Play Tournament, defeating Rick Gayda of Boone Grove in the 36-hole final for the championship.

His shoulder was ready to go just before the end of the season but he didn't have enough regular-season matches in to play in sectionals.

Cameron is one of those rare athletes that could be good in just about any sport.

His chosen three include the unusual mix of hockey, soccer and golf, with golf being his favorite.

"He's a three-sport athlete," Schneider said. "That's rare. That helps him with his competitive edge."

Cameron kept sharp over the winter and in between hockey practices by driving to Valparaiso to hit balls at the indoor simulator at Rio's Golf.

One of his biggest strengths is that, despite the fact that he's not 6-2 like Grubnich, he's extremely long off the tee. So long that very few players can keep up with him in that department.

His weakness is from 100 yards out. Cameron said he constantly has trouble gearing down to hit it close from the distance.

"I still can't do anything with that shot," he said.

He hopes to have it under control by the end of the year. Cameron's goal is to make the state cut, preferably with the rest of his team.

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