Lawton High School senior Cooper Watson has already established himself as one of southwest Oklahoma’s top prep golfers, and his drive to succeed starts at home.
“My dad! He has inspired me to be great,” Watson said. “I’ve watched him in life, work and golf.” That example has shaped both his attitude and his work ethic, on and off the course.
In the classroom, Watson’s favorite subject is English, and he points to Mrs. Phillips from his time at MacArthur High School as his all-time favorite teacher. On the course, he has turned that same focus into record-setting rounds. His lowest tournament score is 64, a number he has posted twice — once at The Patriot Club during the Oklahoma Amateur and again at the Firecracker Open at Lawton Country Club. His best round overall is an 11-under 61 at his home course, The Territory, a score that broke the course record by one shot.
Those kinds of rounds are the result of detailed, deliberate practice. Watson said he targeted an area of his game that used to hold him back.
“I have spent a lot of time working on short irons inside 150 yards,” he said.
“Those are scoring clubs and was probably my biggest weakness in the past.” That emphasis ties closely to his favorite club in the bag, a 60-degree sand wedge. He loves the variety of shots he can create with it around the greens.
Watson’s favorite place to put that short game to work is The Patriot Club in Owasso, which he calls his favorite course. “It sets up good for my game and I had probably the best week of my life there back in the summer of 2024,” he said. He also appreciates the feel of its zoysia grass, which suits his eye and style.
On television, Watson studies Jon Rahm. “My favorite golfer is John Rahm, because his competitive nature and the way he carries himself on the course,” Watson said. That example feeds into a lesson he said athletics have drilled into him. “Athletics have taught me that there is always someone better and I have to keep working and can’t settle!” he said.
Some of his best memories come from simply being part of the Wolverines’ program. Watson said he enjoys practicing and playing with his friends and that being on a team is “a lot of fun.” Away from competitive golf, he keeps things light by playing cornhole, going bowling and spending time with family and friends, blending elite-level performance with a grounded, enjoyable high school life.
