Julio Arronte: A diamond in the rough
From Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico to Utah State University, Julio Arronte is living his dream of playing college golf.
“I was a very curious kid,” Arronte said. “My dad got me into the sport.”
Inspired by his father, young Arronte couldn’t resist picking up golf clubs and trying to keep up with his father on the local course.
Julio Arronte chips the ball onto the green for practice at the Logan Country Club on Oct. 23.
By the age of four, Arronte discovered his natural talent for the game, and by six, he was already competing. That’s when he truly caught the “golf bug”— the passion that would drive him to pursue a career in the sport and at the age of 12, make a bold decision. Not only would he play college golf, but he would do it in the United States.
They were lofty goals for a 12-year-old, but those who know Arronte understand his determination. He firmly believes he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.
“The best thing about Julio has always been his attitude,” said coach Dean Johansen. “It’s contagious. I love being around young men who are excited about life and love what they do.”
While Arronte’s character is a standout quality, his skills on the course are equally impressive. With six career top-10 finishes, he leads the team.
However, his success didn’t come overnight. During his freshman year, Arronte struggled to find the confidence to play at his best. His challenges only grew when he and four teammates were involved in a car accident, resulting in a hand injury that took him out for the season.
Johansen recalls sitting with Arronte in the hospital and delivering the tough news: He wouldn’t be playing for the rest of the year.
“I just want to compete,” Arronte said in that hospital waiting room.
“I had never seen him like that,” Johansen said, adding that Arronte isn’t the type of player content with just wearing the fancy bags and gear — he lives for competition. And he wants to win.
Julio Arronte chips a ball out of a sand bunker for practice at the Logan Country Club on Oct. 23.
The turning point for Arronte came after the injury. Though it was physical, something mentally shifted for Arronte.
“I’ve never seen a college golfer progress at the rate Julio did that summer,” Johansen said.
“Mentality,” Arronte said. “It’s just a game.” He continued that finding inner confidence pushed him to play his best golf. He focused on becoming the best version of himself, both on and off the course. His scores quickly reflected that change.
In just one season, Arronte lowered his stroke average by over three shots, competing in five tournaments and doubling his top 20 finishes. And it’s only been uphill from there.
“The fact that he’s a hell of a player, it’s only a bonus,” Johansen said. “I love to win, but at the end of the day, I love being proud of who I’m traveling with.”
Now in his senior season, Arronte is proud to be an Aggie. Choosing Utah State was a decision that felt right in his gut, and it’s a choice he doesn’t regret. Beyond the accolades, Arronte treasures the friendships he’s made along the way.
“I consider them family,” Arronte said. “They’ve played a very important role.”
Despite golf being an individual sport, team chemistry is essential to success. Balancing personal performance with team collaboration is key to winning tournaments.
Julio Arronte chips a ball out of a sand bunker for practice at the Logan Country Club on Oct. 23.
“Julio is so fun,” said teammate John Cook. “He’s the most energetic guy on the team.”
Arronte’s attitude toward his teammates is reciprocated through the friendship they have built after years of working with each other.
Cook echoed Johansen’s sentiments that Julio really is there to lift the team. In doing so, they have built a culture of unity, even though they compete against each other. They push each other in practice so that they can “improve together,” Cook said.
When asked about Arronte overall, both Cook and Johansen shared stories of him off the golf course, showcasing Arronte’s impact off the green being far greater than his influence on it.
As Arronte tees off his final year of collegiate golf, he is laser-focused. And as always, he is looking ahead with a humble acknowledgment of the work still to be done.
“There’s still room for improvement,” Arronte said, his eyes set on the next swing.