The Emory Senior Spotlight Series continues with a look at current men's golf student-athlete Davis Hingtgen.

Name: Davis Hingtgen

Hometown (HS): Orlando, FL / Bishop Moore

Sport: Men's Golf

Major: Business with a concentration in Accounting

** How did you start getting involved with golf? How old were you when you started playing? 

I grew up on a golf course and my parents have always played for fun. So as soon as I was old enough, around five years old, they would take me out to play with them.

** Do you have any current plans for after graduation? 

I'll be finishing up my graduate degree here at Emory next year. After that I'll most likely stay in Atlanta to work in public accounting.

** What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?

Enjoy the small things. There's a lot that goes on in life, so taking the time to enjoy the small things and small victories is just as if not more important than the big moments.

** Which Emory faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why? 

There have been many during my time at Emory. But Professor Karen Ton from the Accounting department has made a huge impact on my life. I learned some very important lessons in her class beyond just the accounting material that have helped me tremendously ever since. Her class is a major reason why I chose accounting as my major and why I'm on the career path I'm on now.

** What is one class would you retake just for fun and why? 

Honestly it would probably be Financial Accounting (ACT 210), taught by Professor Ton who I just mentioned. That's one of the very few classes where I actually enjoyed doing the homework and studying for the exams. I would happily take it over again!

** What is the most unique thing about your hometown?

I'm from Orlando, FL. So most people would probably say the theme parks, but I'll go with how there seems to be a golf course around every corner.

** What is something that people may not know about you but should? 

I was in two TV commercials when I was in middle school. I was only in each of them for a few seconds, swinging a golf club, but those were very cool experiences that I think people would find interesting.

** Other than golf, what is another sport you think you could play at a high level? 

I'd say basketball. I was always a very good shooter but didn't have much else going for me, so I don't know how high of a level I could honestly make it to.

** What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why? 

Andrew Luck. He's my all-time favorite athlete, and as a Colts fan it killed me when he retired out of the blue. He's always been a guy that's had many interests outside of football but never really opened up about them. So I think it'd be fun to talk to him not just about his experiences playing football, but also his off the field experiences, and maybe learn more about what led him to retire so unexpectedly.

** How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?

Luckily most golf courses have stayed open through the pandemic so I've been able to play lots of golf. Other than that, being home for so long gave me more time to spend with my dog than I ever thought I'd get, so I've been thankful for that.

** Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy? 

I've never enjoyed coffee, whether it be coffee flavored foods/desserts or the drink itself. 

** What would you say are your top three movies or television shows of all time? 

My all-time favorite TV show is Seinfeld, with Castle as a close 2nd. And my favorite movie is Back to the Future Part 1, but parts 2 and 3 are up there as well.

** What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?

I most enjoy going to the professional sporting events. We're lucky to have great teams and venues here in Atlanta. But going to the Braves games in their new stadium is probably my favorite experience.

** What is your favorite Atlanta restaurant? 

Community BBQ. Can't beat their ribs and mac n cheese.

** What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career? Probably the final round of our home tournament back during my sophomore year. It was such a roller coaster of a round, but I set my career best for birdies in a tournament round that day and I did it with a birdie on 18 to finish under par for the day. My parents were there to see it too so that made it extra special.

** Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory? 

We went to the Children's Hospital of Atlanta as a team my freshman year. We spent time with some of the kids showing them how to hit the ball and just letting them swing away. It was amazing to see that despite being faced with different illnesses and other health issues, they could still get so much joy from just hitting a ball around the courtyard.

** Favorite team activity or tradition? 

Going to coach's house for dinner at the beginning of every Fall semester. Mrs. Sjoberg is a fantastic cook!

** What would be one thing you'd like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career? Don't take a single day for granted. We've been given tremendous opportunities to play and go to school here at Emory. So don't let a day with your friends and your teammates go by without truly appreciating it.