Nikolaj Brons-Piche, 20, says that the fundamental lessons of golf and business are more alike than you think.

"It's all about putting in quality prep work before you perform," Brons-Piche says. "If you show up unprepared to a class or a tournament, you'll get exposed." 

The senior accounting and finance major and golf team member at Texas Wesleyan University is the 2015 recipient of the Thomas H. Law Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes one student from the School of Business each year for academic excellence and is awarded in conjunction with the Business Hall of Fame. 

Brons-Piche's professors and coaches say he shines in the classroom and on the course. 

"Nikolaj is a bright and eager student," Hector Quintanilla, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business, says. "We are very pleased to be able to honor his hard work with this scholarship." 

Texas Wesleyan Head Golf Coach Bobby Cornett agrees.

"Being a good golf player takes natural talent and determination — Nikolaj has both," Cornett said. "He is committed to excelling in school and performing for the team — a combination that is a coach's dream." 

What's next

After graduation in the spring, Brons-Piche says he will pursue a career in asset management. A career that will demand that he keeps up his commitment to hard work and preparation. 

"Fluctuations in financial markets are hard to understand and I enjoy the challenge," Brons-Piche says. 

He went to a seminar about how financial markets work at age 12 and since then has always been fascinated with them.

His interest in golf goes back even further than his interest in the stock market, to when his dad started teaching him how to swing a club at age 3. His dad, who was a golf club pro in their hometown of Traverse City, Mich., was his golf coach for the next 10 years.

Brons-Piche says that after graduation, he'll use his golf skills to help him in business. 

"Mentors in asset management have told me that a lot of business gets done on the golf course and that my experience at the collegiate level will me help create a positive impression with clients," Brons-Piche said.

"Even though I'm not going to pursue a professional golf career, I'll still keep up my handicap. I've loved the ride and I'll always love the game."

All in the family

Brons-Piche's love of learning and challenges doesn't just come from his dad. The second oldest of four boys, he was home schooled by his Danish mother until his junior year in high school (he is also fluent in Danish). 

"Family is a big part of my life and the small, family-like atmosphere at Texas Wesleyan is what has made me feel at home in Texas," Brons-Piche said. 

"You get to know your professors really well here, and that makes me feel valued."

Which goes back to the similarities he sees between golf and business — preparation is the key to success. 

"If you aren't putting in the work or show up late for a class, your professors will call you out on it."

Nikolaj Brons-Piche is the 2015 recipient of the Thomas H. Law Scholarship, which is funded by proceeds of the annual Business Hall of Fame. 

The Business Hall of Fame is a partnership between Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth Business magazine and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. The event recognizes a Business Executive of the Year, an individual who has made a profound impact on the business world and promotes business as a challenging and dynamic profession.