LAKEWOOD, CO- "Golf is a sport that's unique and not like any sport. Things happen, it can get tough. The sport encompasses every aspect of the human mind, you need both skill and control." – Xavier Bighaus
 
Skill and control are two things Xavier has not failed to showcase throughout his career here at CCU. In just two years, Bighaus' accolades have only continued to grow. Bighaus has recorded four top ten placements in different respective tournaments, 2X RMAC Player of the Week, 2X RMAC Golfer of the Week, RMAC First Team All-Conference, an RMAC individual champion title, and joined the Ping All-Region team paired with a Ping All-American honorable mention.

 This of course, doesn't include his two most recent RMAC Golfer of the Week awards, individual champion status at the Writz Invitational, and two stellar 2nd place finishes in Hawaii to start the first half of Bighaus' 23-24 season.
 
While it's exciting and only natural to continue to look at the future ahead of Xavier Bighaus and what he will continue to accomplish as one of the Cougar's best golfers, Bighaus points his success and passion to generations of the past. Golf is nothing new to the Bighaus name, with Bighaus' uncle, John Bighaus, claiming four state champion titles, and Bighaus' very own grandfather, Ernie Bighaus, senior, playing the sport professionally. Bighaus admits that those are in no doubt big shoes to fill, but he wouldn't have it any other way. The two golfers are Bighaus' golf legends and role models, and serve as the main culprits in helping a club find its way into Xavier Bighaus' hands. Bighaus admits, "My grandfather was my inspiration to play golf, and I've always wanted to follow in his footsteps. He was an avid golfer famous for his double eagle (a hole in 1 on a par 4) that he recorded in a tournament. He passed away when I was really little, but my dad knew that my grandfather always had a vision for me to play golf and be the very best that I could be. My dad continued this and taught me how to play, this is how I fell in love with the game". With the golf swing running in the genes, it seems only right that Xavier Bighaus follows in his grandfather's footprints and continues to chase after the dream of playing golf professionally.
 
When asked the simple question, "Why Golf?" Bighaus immediately pointed towards his family and the imprint golf has had in his family's footsteps. 1 of 6, Bighaus grew up in a big Christian household in McKinney, Texas. Watching the Bighaus golf legends from afar, Xavier states his golf journey began after a family mission trip to Kenya. After landing back in the States, Bighaus began to seriously hit the links and never looked back. Despite being a multisport athlete playing football, basketball, and running track, Xavier knew a future of golf was in store. No doubt, making his family proud in his short time at CCU, Xavier also points to his family's influence as larger than just the game of golf. "My parents have shaped me most as a person. Growing up, my parents pushed me to be the best person that I could be in anything I do, even outside of golf. They would encourage me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone and support me, whenever. I played football, basketball, ran track, and they still supported me in all the other sports that I was in. They showed me what it means to be an adult, how to grow, and the way to be professional about it". - Xavier Bighaus. This has certainly been visible in both Bighaus' academics and athletics, as his parents' legacy is illuminated through Xavier's continued success and passion.

 Bighaus gives credit to senior Dylan Arthur for his arrival at Colorado Christian, graduating just one year before him. After being introduced to CCU by Arthur, Bighaus knew CCU would become home and a second family. After two years as a Cougar, Bighaus states, "I'm thankful for the opportunity to represent CCU. Playing at CCU has helped me grow tremendously, it's a wonderful place to play golf at. A team that is super tight is hard to find in any sport, especially with guys who have the same goal in mind on and off the course. It's been awesome to be a part of a team with a common goal of winning on the course and being solid men as well."-Xavier. The culture of the men's golf team has continued to grow and is known for having both top-of-the-line golfers and guys who want to impact each other and their campus for the better.
 
In his element, Bighaus fills the Texas shoes, with most of his free time consumed by the lake, wakeboarding, or hanging with friends during the summer. Off the course, you can find Xavier in the gym, in the classroom, or cheering on Ducks football. A loyal Oregon fan, Xavier closely follows the Ducks season and players, even pledging allegiance to Duck legends like Justin Herbert.
 
Bighaus will graduate CCU with a Business Major and Entrepreneurship minor in the spring of 2025, with plans to immediately play on mini tour. Bighaus plans to chase a future career as a professional golfer and ultimately play in the PGA.