Los Cuernos Wine sat down with local golf phenom Harrison Kingsley for a laid-back chat about the grind, the mindset, and what it takes to chase a dream one swing at a time. Between rounds, travel days, and cans of Los Cuernos wine, Harrison opened up about growing up on the course, finding confidence, and keeping his cool under pressure.
Q: Harrison, for anyone who hasn’t followed your story yet—how did you first get into golf?
Harrison: My dad played college golf and even tried to go pro. When my mom worked weekends, he’d take me to the range in a stroller. One day I grabbed one of his clubs and started copying his swing. From then on, I was hooked. I’ve basically had a club in my hand since day one—literally, I had plastic golf clubs in the hospital when I was born.
Q: At what point did people start realizing you were really good?
Harrison: Probably when I was four or five. I’d be at Murrieta Valley Driving Range chipping balls in front of people, and when I’d chip one in, the crowd would go nuts. That’s one of my first memories of golf.
Q: Do you remember the first time you drove a ball over 300 yards?
Harrison: Oh yeah—#9 at what’s now Legends Golf Club in Temecula. I was 12 or 13, and the hole was 295. I drove it to the back edge and made the eagle putt. That’s when I realized I could really move it.
Q: Was there a turning point when you thought, I could actually make a career out of this?
Harrison: Around 13. I started playing in the 15–18 division and won Player of the Year when I was 14. Competing against older, stronger guys and still winning—that’s when I knew I could take it to college and beyond.
Q: You ended up at USD playing for Chris Riley. How did that happen?
Harrison: I always wanted to play for Riley—he’s a PGA Tour winner and Ryder Cup player. But early on, USD didn’t have scholarship money for me, so I went to California Baptist. Loved it, but they couldn’t play postseason yet. I entered the transfer portal, got about 20 offers, but really wanted to be at USD. My dad went there too, so being a second-generation Torero felt right.
Q: Fast forward—you qualified for the Farmers Insurance Open. That’s massive.
Harrison: Yeah, that was in 2023. I shot 65 in the pre-qualifier at Twin Oaks, then got through Monday qualifying at Bear Creek—my home course. The wind was insane, like 50–60 mph gusts. At one point I got to 4-under, which felt like 10-under in those conditions. It was surreal.
Q: How do you keep your head in it when the pressure hits?
Harrison: It’s about staying present. I work with a mental coach now, but even before that, I learned to refocus fast. One bad hole can’t ruin your day. Golf teaches patience and perspective—it’s made me a better person, honestly.
Q: That long-term mindset sounds familiar—we talk about “the long game” a lot at Los Cuernos Wine.
Harrison: Exactly. My whole journey’s been about building step by step, playing for the right coaches, and trusting the process. It’s like wine—good things take time.
Q: Speaking of grind—you’ve been playing all over the world. What’s a week on tour like?
Harrison: On the PGA Tour Americas I’ve played six countries—five in South America and one in Mexico. I’ll fly in Sunday, practice Monday–Wednesday, and compete Thursday–Sunday. Longest travel day was 28 hours with three layovers. Some spots, like Quito in Ecuador, are 9,300 feet up—so your 100-yard shot plays 82. Every week it’s a new challenge: different grasses, winds, and altitudes.
Q: That’s a grind. You’re traveling solo most of the time?
Harrison: Yeah. You meet great people, but it’s mostly solo. It builds character, for sure.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between college golf and playing for a paycheck?
Harrison: Pressure. Every shot matters a little more because it affects your future. But you learn to love that feeling—it keeps you sharp.
Q: Off the course—any other sports you still play?
Harrison: Basketball. I played through high school and was a pretty solid three-point shooter. When I’m struggling with golf, I’ll shoot hoops to get my rhythm back. It’s like hitting reset.
Q: We like that. Steph Curry vibes.
Harrison: Exactly. There’s a lot of crossover—touch, patience, timing.
Q: We’re pumped to have you as part of the Los Cuernos Wine family. Any final thoughts?
Harrison: Just gratitude. I love what Los Cuernos stands for—hard work, good times, and taking quality anywhere. Whether it’s a can of wine after a round or a night with friends, it’s about enjoying the moment. Let’s keep it rolling.
About Los Cuernos Wine
Born in California, Los Cuernos Wine makes premium wine in a can—crafted for the people who love great taste but don’t take themselves too seriously. Perfect for the course, the beach, or wherever the day leads.
Follow Harrison Kingsley and Los Cuernos Wine on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes stories, golf content, and updates from the tour.
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