FEBRUARY 14, 2022
Mission College Prep : Team Challenge - Monarch Dunes G.C., Nipomo CA
FEBRUARY 14, 2022
Mission College Prep : Team Challenge - Monarch Dunes G.C., Nipomo CA
THE JOURNEY
"Dream On, dream on, dream on".
WHICH F1 TEAM IS YOUR FAVORITE?
WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST DON'T KNOW?
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PILOT AND AVIATION?
Ferrari, even though it's been an up and down 2022 season thus far. Charles Leclerc is my favorite F1 driver.
I'm ambidextrous. Generally, I'm left-handed but play sports right-handed like Jordan Spieth. I'm also left-eye dominant which I've read makes my golf swing a little different than most.
One of my early memories was afternoons with my Dad at In-n-Out near Los Angeles Airport (LAX). We sat outside eating burgers and listened to Air Traffic Control as planes flew above us as they landed at the airport. Just like Arnold Palmer, I'd like to fly myself to golf tournaments.
WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING GOLF?
My Mom and Dad are golfers and played before I was born. When I was 20 months old, I played in the backyard with my Grandmother (Mama). My parents brought me to the course with them frequently and at 3 years old, I played my first round. My middle name (Resty) came from my Grandfather (Papa) who died a year before I was born. He retired very early and played golf every day at 6:30 a.m. I've been told many times that I am an "Old Soul" and was very similar to my Grandfather. Golf has always been part of our family and something we continue to enjoy together as a family.
DO YOU PLAY OTHER SPORTS?
Yes, growing up I competed in flag football, baseball, basketball, and cross country. I played in my first golf tournament when I was 5 years old but didn't play another until I was 8. After watching the documentary "The Short Game," I set a goal to play in the US Kids Golf World Championships held in Pinehurst, North Carolina every year. A few months later I won a Regional US Kids Tournament in Monterey which qualified me to play at Pinehurst.
Today, I remain focused on golf but continue to play baseball and basketball with friends recreationally.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF CLUB?
Pitching Wedge. It has saved me in many difficult situations. One of my favorite shots happened recently during an AJGA event. I didn't play well but finished strong on the back 9 at -4. This 50-yard eagle started my run.
MOST MEMORABLE GOLF MOMENT?
Playing on the Old Course at St. Andrews at 8 yrs. old and making a long birdie putt on the 18th hole. It was a week before The Open and signs and stands were in place.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT SO FAR?
I've worked hard to achieve many goals in academics, sports, philanthropy, and various interests. But recently, I flew a plane solo on my 16th birthday. I began flying lessons at 10 yrs old and set a goal to go solo on my 16th birthday. 16 is when a student pilot becomes eligible to fly a plane solo after completing all the prerequisites including the FAA exam. It is rare to go solo at 16 and even more rare to do it on your actual birthday.
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I am most proud of the organization WeGolfForeGood.org. My golf buddies and I have raised over $60,000 for The Ronald McDonald House and OneTreePlanted.org. 2022 is our 5th anniversary and each year the team has beat the prior year's record.