|
JGANC |
Anthony Machi is a name everyone knows in the JGANC. Besides
being known as one of our top players, you are also known as
an sportsman. Your 2006 season was absolutely outstanding. How
can you top last year? |
|
Anthony |
The more I put myself into positions to win, the better. I
expect the competition to be at a pretty high level this year
and I will be ready to play for those 1st place trophies. |
|
JGANC |
That was said with lots of determination and confidence. Since
success in golf also depends on one's mental game, it looks like
you are well on your way to another great season. Any special
event you are looking forward to? |
|
Anthony |
My favorite tournament is the JGANC/NCPGA Match Play at Diablo
Grande. |
|
JGANC |
Well, last year you went all the way to the finals with your
buddy Derek Ernst. I could see the two of you going at it again.
That would be fun and another great match. Obviously, your game
requires lots of practice. |
|
Anthony |
I practice every day that I feel I can be productive......playing
in the dark has become one of my favorite feel-game routines. |
|
JGANC |
What a great idea. I've never thought about that one, but I can
see how it could add to your game. How did you start playing
golf anyway? |
|
Anthony |
My dad introduced me to the game when I was about 3 years
old. The game was always more of a challenge for the rest of
my friends, but it came natural to me. |
|
JGANC |
Now aren't you lucky. I know that college must be on your mind.
Here you are looking at your senior year and making plans for
the future. What are you looking for in a college? |
|
Anthony |
I am looking for a college that will provide a solid education,
laid back atmosphere and constant competition on the golf course. |
|
JGANC |
I'm pleased you are thinking about education and not just your
golf. You will be an asset to any college or university and I'm
sure many coaches will be attempting to convince you that their
school has your three qualifications. I can hardly believe you
are 17. How many years has it been? |
|
Anthony |
I've been in the JGANC for 5 years. |
|
JGANC |
During that time has anything funny happened to you while playing
golf? |
|
Anthony |
Playing with Eric Pitcaithley day in and day out is pretty
entertaining to say the least. |
|
JGANC |
My, I hope Eric reads this interview. Anything else you would
like to share with our members? |
|
Anthony |
Besides golf I enjoy playing "NFL Blitz," basketball
and cruising around on a snowboard in the winter. |
|
JGANC |
Thanks Anthony. You're a great guy and a model for our younger
players. We all look forward to watching you play this summer.
Good luck to you. |
|
JGANC |
Hi Asia. It's good to see you again. I remember you playing in
the Junior Advisor Team Shoot Out. Hope to see you there again
this year. Speaking of tournaments, which JGANC event is your
favorite? |
|
Asia |
My favorite is the Len Ross Fresno City Junior. |
|
JGANC |
That's our only four-day event and it sure is a good one. You
play lots of JGANC golf. What has been your most exciting moment? |
|
Asia |
Yes, I probably play an average of 15-20 tournaments over
the summer. In all my years of the JGANC, I would have to say
my most exciting moment was my hole-in-one at Pasatiempo on the
159 yard par 3, hole #5. I could hardly contain myself! I actually
thought I hit the shot too hard! |
|
JGANC |
Wow! There are golfers that play a lifetime and never get a hole-in-one.
Congratulations! When did you begin playing golf? |
|
Asia |
When I was a very small child, I would always go out in the
backyard and watch my dad chip golf balls. One day I picked up
a club and tried to imitate my father and I've been addicted
to the game since. I still remember my goal was to get over the
fence which was about 70 yards away. It seemed impossible then. |
|
JGANC |
I bet your dad is very proud of you. I suppose you're not worried
about your backyard fence these days. So where do you practice
now? |
|
Asia |
I am a member at Copper River Country Club here in Fresno
which has become my second home. I usually practice 3-4 hours,
7 days a week. I start off putting for about 30 minutes. After
that I work on chip and runs and bunker shots. Then I head off
to the driving range to practice drills. Finally, I will go play
a few holes if I have time. |
|
JGANC |
That's a lot of golf dedication. No wonder your golf game has
improved so much. Do you have a favorite on the LPGA tour? |
|
Asia |
My favorite would have to be Natalie Gulbis. She is extremely
talented and has a very nice personality. I also love her cute
outfits! |
|
JGANC |
Ah, that's the woman in you talking. Did you know Natalie used
to be a JGANCer when she was young? Actually the JGANC has produced
may professionals. You've told me about your exciting moment....
what about a funny one? |
|
Asia |
Yes, just recently at the Sean Remen Memorial I was on the
par 3, number 6 and hit about 10 feet from the pin. Just as I
addressed my birdie putt, I heard this loud crash! My push cart
had taken off full speed down a hill! It hit the bridge going
over a creek and took a plunge! My clubs were drenched! Needless
to say, I missed my birdie. |
|
JGANC |
Visualizing this, I'm laughing, but actually that's pretty sad.
I can just see the cart, the clubs......and the lost birdie.
I bet you are checking brakes on that cart now. Let's not leave
the interview on that note. Tell me what other things you enjoy
doing, besides golf and picking up drenched clubs. |
|
Asia |
Besides golf, I enjoy shopping, playing basketball, swimming,
running, hanging out with my friends and spending quality time
with my family. |
|
JGANC |
What an outstanding young lady you are. This has been fun, Asia.
I look forward to seeing you out on the links and keep up the
good golf. |
|
JGANC |
Daniel, we look at you as one of our up and coming stars. You
play lots of JGANC tournaments. What is the best part of playing
JGANC golf? |
|
Daniel |
I love the competition and the experience I gain that I will
use throughout my golfing career. Another great part of the JGANC
is the variety of courses. Most of the courses are in unbelievable
shape. |
|
JGANC |
It seems when I ask our juniors how they got started playing
golf they often tell me it is due to their dad. How about you? |
|
Daniel |
When I was 3 years old, my dad got me a set of plastic golf
clubs and balls. I learned how to use them by hitting balls onto
the roof so I didn't have to chase them. From there, I got a
real set of clubs and balls, which I eventually used to break
the livingroom window. |
|
JGANC |
I assume you are not hitting roofs or windows these days, so
how do you practice? |
|
Daniel |
I practice about 4 or 5 days a week for about 3 and a half
hours each day. I don't have a special routine. When I am at
the course I work on the part of my game that isn't doing so
well, and I will go out and play a few holes to see if I have
improved. |
|
JGANC |
That sounds like a good plan. What is your goal for 2007? |
|
Daniel |
My #1 goal is to win every tournament I play in. I'd also
like my handicap to go from an 8 to less that the number of fingers
on my right hand. |
|
JGANC |
My, I'm enjoying this interview. I never realized you had such
a sense of humor. How many years have you been a JGANCer? |
|
Daniel |
I've been in the JGANC four years. |
|
JGANC |
Do you have a favorite tournament? |
|
Daniel |
My favorite tournament is the Marin County Junior. |
|
JGANC |
Well, you've made that committee very happy. Do you have a "most
exciting moment" you are willing to share? |
|
Daniel |
The most exciting moment so far is when I made birdie on the
first hole at the 2004 World Championship. It was a short par
4, so I hit a good driver, put my next shot on the green and
then made the putt. |
|
JGANC |
We've learned lots about you Daniel. Is there another side of
Daniel that isn't the golfing Daniel we all know? |
|
Daniel |
Besides golf, I play basketball and I absolutely love track
and field. I am a long distance runner (1 mile and 3 mile races).
I throw the discus. A discus is a two pound frisbee-like object
that you throw using a similar motion a golfer uses. Besides
sports, I love to travel. My family travels to the mountains
or we go on cruises. (I prefer Caribbean cruises!) |
|
JGANC |
You are a delight! You must have tons of friends and you no doubt
keep them laughing. I know you just made lots of new friends
with this interview. See you at the tournaments and here's to
winning every tournament, your #1 goal! |
