Norman’s Benson Diehm
Norman High School senior Benson Diehm doesn’t have to look far to be reminded of what he’s playing for each time he tees it up for the Tigers varsity golf team. Representing his hometown means as much to him as any number on the scorecard. “Norman is where I grew up here so representing Norman High School in a positive way is important to me,” Diehm said.
Diehm has become one of the Tigers’ big hitters, a player who leans on his length off the tee and trusts that his power can create scoring chances. “A strength of my game is how far I hit it,” he said. “Having shorter clubs into greens is nice. What I need to continue to get better at is ball striking and distance control inside 150 yards.”
That blend of confidence and humility shows up every day at Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club, his home course in Norman. It’s where he has spent countless hours trying to live up to the standard set by his golf hero, Tiger Woods. “Tiger Woods inspires me as he did things that had never been done before and his work ethic was better than everyone else’s,” Diehm said.
Diehm said the mental side of the game is the biggest challenge in high school competition.
“The toughest thing of playing competitive golf is staying mentally present for every shot,” he said.
He doesn’t tackle that challenge alone. Diehm said the tight-knit nature of the Norman High program is what makes the grind enjoyable. “What I love most about my team and teammates is the tight bond that I have with some of them,” he said. “We all push each other to get better every day and it’s a lot of fun.”
He also carries a simple motto from mentor Dennon Norman. “Dennon Norman left an impression on me,” Diehm said. “He would always say get 1% better every day and it has stuck with me ever since.”Diehm’s goals stretch well beyond high school. He hopes to play college golf “at the highest level” he can reach and, one day, chase a spot on the PGA Tour. For now, the Norman High senior is happy to keep bombing drivers and pitching wedges — his favorite clubs, even if he “has no idea why” — and to keep getting 1% better with the Tigers.
