Interview
CGN Player Highlight and Interview: William Sides Entering His Final Spring at SMU
SMU senior William Sides enters the spring with a resume built on steady collegiate production, high level amateur experience, and a clear competitive identity. A Tulsa native, Sides developed early through family influence and a strong golf environment at home, then elevated his game through junior golf, Cascia Hall, and a college career defined by consistency and growth.
Sides is known for his all around steadiness, his ability to perform in major events, and the adjustment that helped unlock his putting during college.
Career Snapshot
School: SMU
Class: Senior
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
High School: Cascia Hall
Background and Development
Sides was introduced to golf at a young age through his grandfather and family golf. He played multiple sports growing up and began competing in tournaments early, building an athletic base that carried into junior golf.
Tulsa and nearby championship level golf environments were central to his development, providing early exposure to strong courses and competition.
High School and Junior Golf
Sides narrowed his focus to golf during high school, stepping deeper into tournament golf through OJGT and AJGA competition. His progress accelerated during his high school years as his schedule shifted toward higher level fields and more consistent national competition.
College Choice and SMU Fit
Sides committed to SMU during a recruiting period shaped by limited campus visits. His decision centered on the program’s resources, the Dallas location, the academic fit, and strong conversations with the coaching staff. He has remained at SMU through his senior year and credits the overall environment as a key factor in his development.
Collegiate Development
As a college player, Sides has continued trending upward, including earning all conference recognition early in his career. A major turning point was his change to putting left handed after arriving at SMU, a coaching staff recommended adjustment that quickly became a core part of his competitive toolkit.
Senior Season Focus
Sides emphasized two priorities entering the year: continuing progress in the scoring zone from 150 yards and in, and leveraging summer competition to sharpen performance under pressure. He views elite amateur events as both a competitive training ground and a chance to test his game across different styles of courses.
Interview Highlights with CGN
Early Foundation
Started the game early through family and transitioned from casual play into tournament golf as a child.
Multi Sport Background
Played multiple sports growing up and believes that athletic base supported his long term golf ceiling.
Recruiting During COVID
Committed during a period when visits were limited, relying heavily on conversations, program fit, and the SMU environment.
Putting Change
Made a notable adjustment in college by switching to left handed putting, a change that became a key developmental step.
Jones Cup Preparation and Performance
Approached the summer and the Jones Cup with a focus on reps, travel experience, and staying process driven during delays and changing conditions.
