Sept. 26, 2007
When did you first start playing golf?
I started playing when I was around 7 or 8. My dad introduced me to the game. I really liked the individual aspect of it. I played team sports throughout my elementary days, but once I got to my teenage years I decided to focus on golf. I'm pretty individualistic, I like being self-motivated and going out and getting things on my own, and that's how golf is.
What is your favorite memory on the golf course?
Something I always remember, especially in the early years, is that every Saturday my dad would go out and play with his buddies and about once a month he'd take me with him and I would be the fourth. I just thought that was the coolest thing ever, being a young kid and going out and playing with all these old guys, I felt like a hotshot. That was the highlight of my golfing experiences was playing with my dad.
What was the best shot you ever made?
Playing in a junior tournament a few years ago, I holed out from the fairway for an eagle. That was pretty fun. I watched it go in the whole way and saw it fly into the cup.
When did you know you could play golf at the collegiate level?
Probably my junior year in high school, I'd just come off of a good summer, I'd won a couple junior tournaments. Then my junior year I won the state high school championship, and I think that's the point where I realized I was good enough and it's obviously a passion and something I wanted to pursue.
Who was the person you most tried to model your game after?
I was fortunate enough to have [professional golfer] Tom Lehman live in my neighborhood and I've been fortunate enough to play a few rounds with him and observe how he plays the game. He's a really nice guy and is something that I really admire and look up to. Sometimes when we'd play he'd give us pointers and I've really tried to emulate how he acts on and off the golf course.
What has been your favorite course to play on?
We just played Pebble Beach last week. That's one of those once in a lifetime experiences that you just never forget. That's the best course I've ever played. I loved it. Just going out there and being on the ocean with the scenery, I don't even care about golf when I'm out there. It's just fun. That's by far my favorite course.
Favorite golf movie: Caddyshack, Tin Cup, or Happy Gilmore?
Ooh, that's a tough one. Caddyshack is a classic, but I'd have to go with Happy Gilmore. I like Adam Sandler, that guy's funny.
Nicklaus or Palmer?
I'd have to go with Jack. I'm a Jack guy. He's got more of the records than Arnold and I just think he's a really classy guy. I like his game. I've watched a lot of old footage of him winning tournaments. I like the way he handles himself. I've seen highlights of him winning the 1986 Masters and it's just one of my favorite things to watch.
Who would be in your dream foursome?
Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and I'd throw in someone from another sport... I think I'd go with Michael Jordan.
What is your favorite part about playing golf at Santa Clara?
Definitely the team. As individualistic as I am, I just love being around the guys and we have so much fun on and off the golf course. It really is the best part about it. I've enjoyed so much of this experience the last four years; it's definitely what I'm going to miss the most.
