Arthur Duke | Team Warwick Golf
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Can you tell us about your journey into your sport and what inspired you to get involved with Team Warwick?
My journey into golf really started during my school years, and I soon became part of the junior team at Kingswood Golf Club. Over time, I played a lot of competitive golf, and one of the highlights was competing in the Junior European Open. That experience, along with many other competitions, built a strong foundation before I joined the University of Warwick.
I’ve always held sport close to my heart. In addition to golf, I played as a goalkeeper for Fulham’s academy until I was 17, and I’ve played tennis amongst other sports too. When I came to Warwick, I was really eager to dive into the vibrant sporting community here, and the golf team was one of the standout opportunities.
Making it onto the team was something I cherished because golf is such an individual sport, and being part of a team atmosphere in this context is quite rare. It’s been an incredible experience that I’ve truly valued over the past few years.
What does your typical week look like as part of Team Warwick?
My week typically begins on a Thursday, as Wednesday is match day for BUCS, and everything we do is geared towards that.
On Thursdays, I meet with the club captain and president to review the previous day's fixtures and begin planning for the week ahead. We assess player performances, identify those pushing for selection, and design training sessions that align with our tactical and competitive priorities for both the first and second teams.
On Saturdays, we hold our main training day at Coventry Golf Club. This involves structured drills based on Thursday’s plans, followed by 18 holes of competitive golf where we pair players in head-to-head matchups to simulate real match pressure and assess form.
Tuesday features a final range session to maintain match sharpness for the players before match day. I check in with the squad individually to make sure they’re in the right headspace to compete.
Everything culminates on Wednesday, which is competition day for our first and second teams as we compete in the BUCS Midlands 1 and Midlands 2 divisions. From Thursday to Tuesday, all our preparation is aimed at executing our game plan to the best of our ability. Hopefully, that leads to two wins on the day!
How do you balance your academic commitments with training and competitions?
Balancing academic commitments with training and competitions is certainly a challenge, especially since I also work as an Innovation Fellow in the Warwick Innovation District. The main way I manage this is through meticulous time management. Each morning, I set out my priorities, ensuring that my studies remain the top priority. By staying focused on my assignments, lectures, and seminars, I can carve out the time needed for my responsibilities as a team captain.
Having a supportive executive committee that respects each other's schedules is also invaluable. We help each other out whenever someone’s academic load is particularly heavy, and that collaborative network at the University of Warwick is key to maintaining the balance. So in essence, it’s a combination of solid time management, a strong work ethic, and the supportive environment that Warwick provides.
What kind of support have you received through Team Warwick and what difference has it made to your experience?
The support I've received through Team Warwick has made a huge difference. The sporting facilities, especially the gym, are incredible and help me perform at my best.
On top of that, the Team Warwick staff are incredibly helpful, handling all the logistics and always being there for things like travel arrangements, team selection support, and fitness advice. It’s made my experience so much smoother.
What has been the biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in my sporting journey has definitely been learning to perform under intense pressure. As my golf game progressed, the level of competition naturally grew, especially in top youth tournaments.
Adapting to those high-pressure environments and managing my nerves was something I struggled with at first. But through consistent hard work, practice, and simply gaining more experience, I learned how to get into the right mindset and control my emotions. Now, as a captain, I can share those lessons and that resilience with my teammates.
How has Team Warwick helped you develop professionally and what opportunities has it given you?
On my return from my year abroad in the United States, I was fortunate to be elected as the Second Team Captain, a role I’ve recently been re-elected to after some fantastic team success. This opportunity has been incredibly empowering. It’s given me the responsibility to manage and lead a team, setting an example and sharing my experience to help others grow.
While the benefits have often been indirect, they’ve been profound. The soft skills I’ve developed, leadership, communication, and teamwork have been instrumental in securing internships and job offers that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. In short, being a captain has truly elevated my professional skill set in a way I’m incredibly grateful for.
What role have your teammates, coaches, or support staff played in your journey?
I have to say that the role my teammates have played has been absolutely crucial to the success we’ve achieved. Last season, we set the record points tally for a Warwick Golf Second Team and for any Warwick golf team in the Midlands 2 division. None of this would have been possible without a group of golfers who were not only talented but also incredibly dedicated.
We had numerous away games that required a significant time commitment. Nothing encapsulates this more than our two 6 hour+ round trips to the University of East Anglia (we won both days!). That kind of commitment and team spirit was fundamental to our success. Reflecting on it, having such a dedicated group of players who gave their all every week truly made the difference and allowed us to reach the heights we did.
How has your sporting experience shaped your wellbeing and sense of belonging at the University of Warwick?
I’d like to circle back to why I joined the Team Warwick community in the first place. Sport is something I hold very close to my heart, and being able to represent the University of Warwick on the BUCS golf stage is an incredible honour. It's given me a strong sense of pride and belonging to wear the Warwick colours and represent the university throughout the year.
In terms of well-being, this experience has been incredibly grounding. It’s not just about the sport itself but the sense of community and the support network that comes with it. Being part of this team has really enhanced my overall well-being because I always feel connected and supported, which has been invaluable during my time at Warwick.
What are your current sporting goals and how are you being supported in reaching them?
As I head into my master’s year, which will be my final year at Warwick, my overarching sporting goal is to win some silverware for the team and the club. We have four opportunities to do this across both the first and second teams (x2 league and x2 cup campaigns), and ending my time at Warwick with a trophy would be an incredible way to conclude my journey. It’s a goal everyone on the team shares and is working hard towards.
The support comes from that collective ambition and the cohesive drive we all have. Knowing that the entire exec and every team member is equally dedicated is a huge source of support. We push each other, maintain that work ethic, and help one another on and off the golf course. That shared commitment is what makes achieving this goal feel so achievable.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining a club, performance team, or applying for a scholarship at Warwick?
My advice would be to really cherish and take the opportunity. Being part of Team Warwick is a unique and incredibly rewarding experience. With the right dedication, it can be more fulfilling than you might even imagine.
I’d also say to make sure you balance and manage your schedule well. Stay organised with both your academic and sporting commitments, because good organisation is the platform that allows you to make the most of everything this incredible community has to offer.
Did Team Warwick influence your decision to study at the University of Warwick? If so, how?
Team Warwick did indeed influence my decision to choose Warwick. The strength of the sports community and the opportunity to join a high-level team were key factors that made Warwick stand out to me. Knowing I could combine a strong academic environment with a vibrant sports culture made Warwick an ideal choice and the perfect environment to incubate my sporting and academic interests.
Charlie Nova Content Contributor, Warwick Sport
Charlie is passionate about fitness, health, and wellbeing. He enjoys climbing, lifting, running, football, and is always eager to try new sports.
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