David Manis looking to be a leader for new-look Bobcats

New Georgia Northwestern golf coach Eddie Jackson doesn’t have an assistant coach, but don’t be surprised if David Manis fills that void one day, especially when it comes to recruiting new players.

Manis, a senior at Coahulla Creek, recently became the second golfer to sign with the new-look Bobcats, although he was the first of the new recruits to commit to the program.

“Being the first commitment, he’s kind of been the team leader since then,” Jackson explained. “He knows the other guys and helped tug them along to get them here.”

“It was huge for me to be the first commitment and kind of get the snowball started,” Manis said. “All of us are friends so we’re trying to keep it close and comfortable. We’re just ready to get started.”

Like Sonoraville’s Lane Strickland, who signed with the Bobcats in last month, Manis has a consistency to his game that Jackson is looking for.

“He’s not a long hitter and he’ll have to improve his length, but I think he’ll work at it and keep working at it to develop that overall consistency in his game,” Jackson said. “I met David about a month ago and he’s got a really good short game. I was really impressed with him. He doesn’t get to play a lot of tournament golf, but he’s got a lot of potential.”

Colts’ golf coach Anthony Thomas called Manis “a worker”.

“He’s not one you have to pull to get to practice,” he said. “David is always there every day whether it’s practice or not and he’s got some talent. Like everyone else, he has his good days and bad days, but he’s a good kid. He enjoys golf, enjoys playing golf and wants to be a good golfer.

“I told him to make sure he gets to his classes and works hard there too because if you don’t have the grades, you aren’t playing much golf in college. I really think he’ll do well and I’m happy he’s getting this opportunity.”

Manis said he was thrilled to get a chance to keep playing a sport he loves.

“I’ve been working for his since I got into high school,” he explained. “(Playing in college) has been a dream of mine for a long time now. My strength, by far, is my short game. I also want to bring leadership to the team and help everyone I can before we tee off.”

He said Jackson’s background in golf was a big factor in his decision to sign with Georgia Northwestern.

“Eddie has a lot of experience in the game, which made me want to go there,” he added. “Plus, this gives me the ability to stay at home with my family.”

Manis plans to study something in the field of law enforcement.