Illinois Golf Prospect Overcomes Adversity

Alex Bassetto knows adversity all too well. During his freshman year at Benet Academy in Lisle, Ill., he saw his father fight hard, but lose his battle with leukemia.

A 2017 National Scouting Report golf prospect, Bassetto has fought through the tragedy of his father’s death to have a mature perspective of life for someone his young age.

“Everyone faces adversity,” Bassetto said. “Adversity on the golf course happens every day. The most successful people in the world have overcome some type of adversity. My father’s death has been tough on my family and me. It had a huge impact on my grades and my golf game. I put too much pressure on myself to perform in golf to make him proud. It has taken me time to overcome this, and consistency in my tournament scoring is something I am still working on.

“However, what it taught me was perspective; that my hardest challenges on the golf course are nothing compared to what many people are going through and that I can overcome anything. I know this trait will help me in my future in whatever I pursue.”

At 6 feet 1 and 185 pounds, Bassetto certainly has a size advantage for the game. Over the past year, he has posted a 75 tournament scoring average. His club head speed has been clocked at 120 mph and his ball speed at 180-plus mph. His drive consistently carries 290 yards. He averages 32 putts per round, hits 12 of 18 greens in regulation and his 7 iron carries 190 yards. His lowest 18-hole score is 65 while he has posted a personal-best 31 for nine holes and scored 147 best score for 36 holes. His potential is unquestionable.

Tanya Olson, co-director of golf for NSR, has seen Bassetto play a number times.

“Alex has the perfect combination of power and finesse,” she wrote in her NSR scouting report. “He can hit the ball over 300 yards off the tee while maintaining nice soft hands around the green.  Averaging 290 yards on his drives, with a swing speed of 120, Alex is definitely a powerful hitter. He has the ability to go low, holding the Benet Academy scoring record for lowest 9 hole match (5 under 31), several rounds in the 60s in competition in both regional and National events. Alex will be a great addition to a college, he’s a team player with a big heart.”

Ian Hughes, a PGA certified professional in the Chicago area,  is Bassetto’s swing coach. He said Bassetto is a rare talent.

“I have worked with Alex regularly since early 2010,” he said. “During that time, I have watched his game and swing evolve into an elite talent. Alex is one of the longest hitters in his class, but maybe more importantly, has the rare combination of someone who can hit 180 mph-plus ball speed off the tee with very soft hands for great touch around the greens.”

Bassetto credits his success to hard work and experience.

“I come from a golfing family and have had a club in my hand since I was in diapers,” he said. “My mom, my uncle and their two cousins all played Division I golf. They all had a great experience and I have wanted to follow in their footsteps for as long as I can remember. I thrive on competition, I work harder than anyone and I have battled through adversity. All are strengths that make up my core.

“Not many people work harder than I do. I know that working hard athletically and academically will help me be successful throughout my life. My goal is to play college golf while furthering my education at the best possible place for me. While my ranking to date doesn’t show it, I know that I am a diamond in the rough and my best golf is yet to come. I am confident that I can be a contributor to any team. I look forward to demonstrating this and gaining even more experiences I can use throughout my life.”