A few days ago, Chris Louglin was packing his things back in Glasgow, Scotland, where in August the temperature hovers around 60 degrees. Now, the 19-year-old is getting slapped in the face by the South Mississippi heat and humidity.

As the newest member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College golf team, Louglin easily blends in with his teammates during the first 18 holes he’s ever played in the U.S.

“I’m exhausted,” Louglin said as he and veteran Bulldog golfers Drew Goff and Chris Garrett pull up to the par-3 11^th hole at Windance Country Club. “The heat is killing me. My palms started sweating as soon as I walked outside. It’s going to take a while for me to get used to this climate.”

“He’s doing pretty well, except for the fact that he’s wearing tube socks,” said teammate Chris Garrett.

Louglin is the third international student who has recently played for golf coach Tommy Snell.

“Basically I heard about Chris through word of mouth,” Snell said. “We can have two out of state players on the team, and this year we were fortunate enough to get Chris here at Gulf Coast.” This year’s out-of-state players Louglin and Matt Hungerman from Louisiana should help the Bulldog golf team stay competitive every time it tees up.

“I had a couple of other coaches contact me,” Louglin said in a heavy Scottish accent. “But Coach Snell was the most genuine. So far everyone here has treated me well. The admissions folks are taking care of me.”

Getting ready for school is just one thing Louglin is dealing with as he makes the transition from Europe to America.

“The food is great here,” Louglin said. “But it’s awfully fattening.”

Although Scotland is considered the birthplace of golf, Louglin didn’t start playing the sport until four years ago.      

“My aunt in Ireland plays,” Louglin said. “She got me out to play, and I’ve been at it ever since. I’m very competitive, and the thing I like about golf is that you can never be good enough. You can always improve your game. You can also play golf your whole life.”