Det Cullum Burdette "Det" Cullum worked as a volunteer at the 2006 US Open at Winged Foot, one of the famed golf courses in the world. Det, which is short for Burdette, was a gawky junior high kid who was impressed by the lush course, deep rough, and down to earth attitudes of most of the PGA players.

Cullum says, "Seeing the golfers playing for a living and competing in the national championship made all my practice time worth it. When I'm hitting balls at 7 am, now I know what's possible."

Cullum is now a strapping, confident high school senior at Dreher who still has a golf obsession. The Blue Devil golf team recently finished seventh in the 3A state championship, and Cullum was seventh overall. He will be playing amateur tournaments all summer and attending Presbyterian College on a golf scholarship in the fall.

Local golf instructor George Bryan is Cullum's golf coach. Cullum also uses the renowned sports psychologist Morris Pickens, who has helped mold the mental toughness of PGA players Zack Johnson, John Rollins, Lucas Glover, and Jonathon Byrd, among others.

Cullum played all sports when he was younger, excelling in cross- country and basketball through his sophomore year. Golf became a major part of his life four years ago, and he decided before his junior year to concentrate solely on driving, putting, and such. He says he realizes he can play golf forever and wants to be as good as possible.

Many boys get their first taste of golf from their dad or an older brother. Cullum's golf inspiration was his mother, who played the game for a long time. He plans to keep improving, work on his course management and mental preparation, and see where it all leads.

Cullum recognizes how difficult competing on the PGA tour is, and he knows that becoming a tour professional is within his capabilities. His journey begins now. Where he ends up is yet to be determined.