In his four years golfing at Liberty, Matt Vital was a staple of consistency.

He was a two-time District 11 Class 3A champion and was an integral part of the Hurricanes’ three-peat of East Penn Conference (EPC) and District 11 championships. His success led him to choose to extend his career at Temple University.

Lately, though, Vital has experienced an entirely different phase of his game. He has been uncharacteristically struggling.

In late January, Vital competed in the APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational in Torrey Pines, California, part of the APGA association The Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) was established in 2010 as a nonprofit to bring greater diversity to golf. The APGA has 18 tournaments scheduled in 2023 with nearly $1 million in prize money. Vital also is a past Cisco Junior champion and Drive, Chip and Putt national champion.

At the Farmers Tournament, Vital finished 18th from the 28-player field with a two-day total of 148. He shot a 89 on day one and a 95 on day two on the 72-par course. It wasn’t a typical pair of afternoons for him.

“It is just normal complications of golf, not being consistent enough,” he said. “This only recently became an issue in January. In the summer I’ll be playing in a couple of junior events, amateur events, and professional events getting ready for my freshman year at Temple. He and twin brother Michael will be members of the Owls’ team.

“Recently I’ve been struggling a little bit off the tee causing some unwanted higher scores in tournaments but I’ve been working really hard at it and things are starting to look better.”

Vital will have a busy spring and summer ahead. He credited his achievements at Liberty to help pave the way.

The high school season helped because it forced me to constantly compete at different courses that can test my game,” said Vital. “I played with my high school teammates since I was very young, and we all had a great camaraderie. We all supported each other well.”

Liberty head coach Steve Bradley believes Vital suffered a temporary setback.

“Matt has all the tools,” said Bradley. “He is playing at a higher level now, and he’ll make the adjustments. He has a great future ahead.”

Vital is confident he can get back on track.

“I am expecting some big things out of myself for this final summer of junior golf,” said Vital. “I think I can get them done if I keep working hard.”