CGN Player Highlight and Interview: Carson Baez’s Competitive Rise at Richmond
Richmond sophomore Carson Baez has established a reputation for consistent results and mature course management. Raised in South Florida, he fell in love with golf after seeing it on TV as a kid and chased rapid improvement through constant practice and junior events. At Richmond, he values a tight team culture, strong facilities, and a plan-first approach that adapts to conditions and statistics.
Career and Amateur Highlights
Runner-up at the 2025 National Golf Invitational
Runner-up at the 2025 Southeastern Amateur
Runner-up at the 2025 Hoosier Amateur
T10 at the 2025 Metropolis Intercollegiate with rounds of 71, 71, 7,6 plus eight
Played the par fives at Metropolis in two unde,r tied for best in the field
All Atlantic 10 selection as a freshman in 2024- 25
Five-time Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week in 2024- 25
Program freshman record of 204 minus 12 at the National Golf Invitational
Press Thornton Future Masters champion in 2023
Orlando Sentinel High School Player of the Year in 2023
Interview Highlights with CGN
Path into golf
Multi-sport childhood in Miami. A TV broadcast sparked an immediate interest. Early lessons led to quick gains and US Kids events.
Family and media
His father, a professional photographer, documented the journey on social media, providing Carson with comfort in front of the camera and a record of his development.
Mindset and growth
Overcame anger on the course by accepting that mistakes happen. Uses positive self-talk out loud and keeps confidence steady after bogeys or fast starts. Worked with sports psychologist Will Drumight.
Course management
Adopted a plan-first approach through a style strategy. Aims for smart targets, prioritizes where not to miss, and weighs risk by asking if a shot is eight out of ten to execute. Plays to par and takes green light opportunities when the odds are correct.
Recruiting and fit at Richmond
Rose from limited early interest to offers after a sustained jump in performance. Choose Richmond for its small campus feel, strong academics, welcoming team, and facilities that include indoor bays, a PuttView bay, large short game areas, a championship course that has hosted the US Mid-Am, and a par-three course.
Summer momentum and outlook
Carried a chip from a one-shot conference loss into a strong summer with three runner-up finishes. Identified putting as the primary separator and added focused work. Opened the fall with a top ten at Metropolis. Looks ahead to West Virginia at Nemacolin with confidence in his form and in a driven Richmond team.
