|
JGANC |
You are one of those quiet JGANC members who just keep getting
better and better. Last year you won a premier event, the Oakdale
Junior and it earned you an invitation to the Tournament of Champions.
How can you top that? |
|
Brad |
Playing in the Tournament of Champions was awesome. My plans
for this season are to be in contention more and possibly play
on the Hogan Cup Team. |
|
JGANC |
Since this is your last JGANC season, that would be a great end
to your JGANC career. Obviously, you are thinking about college.
What are you looking for? |
|
Brad |
I am currently looking at colleges in California. I would
love to attend any Pac Ten college and play golf for them. I
am considering the University of the Pacific in Stockton. They
have a great golf team. Go Tigers! |
|
JGANC |
You are talking about a place close to my heart. My son played
golf for UOP and it was a great experience, plus you can't beat
the school. How long have you been a JGANC member and playing
our tournaments? |
|
Brad |
I've been a member for three years. |
|
JGANC |
During all these events you've played, do you have a favorite? |
|
Brad |
My favorite tournament is the Ty Caplin Memorial. |
|
JGANC |
That event and course has another special place in my heart.
Ty was once on our Board of Directors and he was so supportive
of juniors. I'm so glad Elkhorn CC has continued this event in
his memory. Do you have a favorite on the PGA tour? |
|
Brad |
Tiger, of course. Ricky Barnes on the nationwide Tour is a
real role model for me because he comes from Stockton and has
paved the way for Stockton golf. I hope to be like him someday. |
|
JGANC |
Of course, you know Ricky was a JGANCer. He played on our America's
Cup Team and I hear he has such a sense of humor, he kept everyone
laughing. We're proud of him too and a good model for you. Now
he used to practice a lot. How about you? |
|
Brad |
I try to practice my golf game everyday. I don't have a special
routine. I just try to better my game. |
|
JGANC |
You mentioned the Ty Caplin Memorial which is a stroke play event.
Do you prefer stroke or do you like match play or scamble? |
|
Brad |
I prefer match play because you can bounce back much quicker
and play an extremely agressive game. |
|
JGANC |
I wish we had more match play events. What about other activities
other than golf? |
|
Brad |
I like to hang out with friends, listen to music, play nobs,
backyard basketball, wiffle ball and baseball. |
|
JGANC |
That's sounds pretty typical of a 17 year old. Here's to a great
season, Brad. Thanks for spending time with us. |
|
JGANC |
Madchen, you play lots of JGANC golf. What has been your most
exciting moment? |
|
Madchen |
My most exciting moment in JGANC golf was winning the Len
Ross Tournament this year. I was down 2 strokes with 2 holes
to play and ended up winning in the end. It was pretty intense.
I'm proud that I hung in there. You really can't give up until
the ball drops in the cup on the last hole. That was an important
lesson for me. |
|
JGANC |
You are a very intelligent golfer. And you know, this should
be applied to everything in life. Simply never give up. What
a great win that was for you. When did golf all start for you? |
|
Madchen |
My dad taught me how to play golf when I was about 9 or so.
He would always take me to the driving range with him. I didn't
get my first set of clubs until I was 10 years old. |
|
JGANC |
And now? |
|
Madchen |
I practice about 3 or 4 days during the week and play on the
weekends. I don't really have a special routine. I usually start
on the range, then chip and I finish with putting. My coach,
Tommy Masters, stresses the short game a lot. |
|
JGANC |
I agree with him. The short game is the most important. It's
funny how most of us work on our driver so much. How long have
you been in the JGANC and do you have a favoirite tournament? |
|
Madchen |
I've been a member 3 years and the Len Ross/Fresno City Junior
is my favorite tournament. |
|
JGANC |
I should have known the answer to that one. Let me ask you something
I don't know the answer. Do you have a favorite on the LPGA tour? |
|
Madchen |
My favorite LPGA player is Natalie Gulbis. She has good sportsmanship,
a great attitude and is an amazing player. When she came to the
SaveMart Shootout in Fresno, I was so excited to see her play.
I even got her autograph, which was awesome. |
|
JGANC |
Did you know she used to belong to the JGANC? It is so funny
to remember her as a junior and now our juniors are getting her
autograph. Since you've been in the JGANC for 3 years you no
doubt could suggest an improvement. What do you see as the biggest
problem in the JGANC? |
|
Madchen |
If I could improve one thing in the JGANC I would probably
change the tee times for the girls to about 10:00 a.m. In that
way we could tee off earlier and we wouldn't always be the last
ones to get our awards. I know the tournament directors try their
best though. |
|
JGANC |
You're right. They do try their best. Unfortunately, girls have
a reputation of playing slower and if they go out earlier they
slow up the entire tournament. Now I'm not saying that is true,
but many tournament directors feel that way. I must admit when
I see boy foursomes they are walking down the fairway planning
their next shot. When I see girls groups they are usually laughing
and talking down the fairway having a good time. Of course, I
think you can do this and play quickly too. It just looks like
it takes more time. Personally, I like to have a good time when
I play golf. Tell us more about Madchen, the soon-to-be freshman
in high school. |
|
Madchen |
I played basketball in 5th and 6th grade. It was really fun,
but last year in 7th grade I told myself that I had to sacrifaice
basketball so that I can focus on golf. I'll earn my black belt
in Shito-Ryu Karate in July. I like to hang out with my family
and friends. Golf is a lot more fun when you're with your friends.
My dream is to play golf at UCLA and then maybe turn pro if my
game is good enough. |
|
JGANC |
It's sad to need to give up enjoyable sports to focus on just
one. If your goal is UCLA you will need this added focus on golf
and I have no doubt you will be able to do it. It has been a
pleasure talking with you. You are a fine young lady and we wish
you the very best.. |
|
JGANC |
Hi Jeff. Well, here we are in the 2007 season. What are your
goals? |
|
Jeff |
I want to win six tournaments and make it to the All Stars
again. |
|
JGANC |
Those are some lofty goals. Yes, you did receive an All Star
invitation last year. That's such an honor. Hope you do it again.
I bet you are practicing a lot to meet these goals. |
|
Jeff |
I practice 3 or 4 times a week. For putting I measure 3 feet,
4 feet and 5 feet and putt until I make them all everytime. For
chipping I hit 15, 25 and 30 yard chips. |
|
JGANC |
Sounds like you have a pretty good routine. When did you start
playing golf? |
|
Jeff |
I played golf on a pitch and putt course in San Diego while
I was on vacation. When I got back home my dad taught me how
to swing right. |
|
JGANC |
Our dads are pretty special. So now you've been in the JGANC
for 2 years. What do you enjoy the most about the JGANC? |
|
Jeff |
The best part is making new friends. |
|
JGANC |
You have that one right. There's nothing like the friendships
in the JGANC. With having fun with all your JGANC friends, I
suppose something funny has happened to you out there. |
|
Jeff |
Someone I was playing with hit a shot and a stray dog ran
on the course and took his ball. |
|
JGANC |
That's a good one. Which JGANC tournament is your favorite? |
|
Jeff |
My favorite one is the California State Fair Junior Championship. |
|
JGANC |
That is a great tournament. What about Jeff, the non-golfer?
Do you do anything else besides golf? |
|
Jeff |
I swim, play basketball, play football, play soccer and I
like to run. |
|
JGANC |
Goodness, I'm surprised you have time to play golf. Keep up the
good work, Jeff. See you at some of the tournaments. |
