|
JGANC |
Tyler, you sent me three great pictures of yourself, one at a
golf tournament, one in your basketball uniform and this one.
I just couldn't resist this one because I think this shows your
personality. I hope you are happy with my choice. First off,
tell me about Tyler. |
|
Tyler |
Well, I'm 14 and in the 8th grade. |
|
JGANC |
How long have you been in the JGANC? |
|
Tyler |
This makes three years. |
|
JGANC |
I assume you play lots of valley tournaments. Which is your favorite? |
|
Tyler |
My favorite is the Len Ross-Fresno City Junior during spring
break. |
|
JGANC |
That one is a good one to start the new year. It's the only premier
four-day event. With four different golf courses, it's a great
way to test your skills. I see you play basketball, but how did
you start playing golf? |
|
Tyler |
When I was born my father was the assistant golf professional
at Las Vegas Country Club. I used to visit him there and watch
him play golf. He taught me to swing a plastic golf club at around
age 3. After that I really wanted to learn more and by age 9
started playing in junior tournaments. My father is now the general
manager and director of golf at Visalia Country Club where he
has been teaching me to play golf ever since. |
|
JGANC |
I'd say you are a pretty lucky fellow. Not many have their own
dad as the pro and private teacher. Have you set any goals for
2006? |
|
Tyler |
My two goals for the year are to be able to take first place
in the Len Ross and qualify for Junior World for the second year
in a row. |
|
JGANC |
Those are great goals. You know Junior World qualifying won't
be at the Len Ross tournament this year. It will be at Green
Valley and Oakland City. We wish you luck on this. I bet you
have lots of friends in the JGANC. Who are some of your buddies? |
|
Tyler |
I can't say I am the most social JGANC member, but yes I have
made friends that I enjoy seeing when the season starts. These
include Parker Hughes, Nicklaus Nishijima, the Smith brothers
and many more. |
|
JGANC |
What else do you enjoy doing beside golf? |
|
Tyler |
I'm an average teen, talking, hanging out, listening to music,
designing new golf courses, and playing different sports here
and there. But Golf is #1!! |
|
JGANC |
Great answer Tyler. I'm interested in this designing golf courses,
but I guess that is for another interview. Thanks again for sharing
some details about yourself. |
|
JGANC |
Cristina, you are now a senior in high school. This will be your
last summer in the JGANC. What has
been the highlight of your JGANC career up to this time? |
|
Cristina |
I believe there are two. The first one was when I was able
to qualify for the USGA Junior Amateur when I was 12 years old.
I was the youngest player who played in the USGA in Kansas City.
The second one was just last year when I was able to qualify
again for the USGA. I was low medalist in the qualifying in California,
but in Idaho I was tied for 4th place on the first day. I shot
4-under that day. |
|
JGANC |
That is certainly something you are going to remember your entire
life. So what about 2006? What do you want to accomplish this
last year? |
|
Cristina |
I want to qualify for the USGA again and would do my best
to be the lowest medalist. I also want to maintain my scores
around even par. |
|
JGANC |
You are such an outstanding player. More importantly, you never
give up. I have truly enjoyed watching you grind away, hole after
hole. You handle yourself so well on the course. You are truly
a champion.
You have signed a letter of intent to attend San Jose State.
Tell us about the process. Was it difficult choosing a college? |
|
Cristina |
It was difficult choosing a college for myself, because I
had to pick between two of the best colleges in California. UC
Davis was offering me a scholarship to go to their school and
also San Jose State. I loved the way coaches from other schools
were watching my tournaments and asking me if I was interested
in their school and that I should just give them a call. San
Jose State has a great golf program and the women's team has
been winning several times. I believe that San Jose will be able
to help me prepare in qualifying for the LPGA tour in the future. |
|
JGANC |
You will be a tremendous asset to San Jose State and I expect
to read about you in the college section of all the golf magazines.
I know you spend most of your time on golf, but do you enjoy
anything else? |
|
Cristina |
I love playing basketball and badminton. I like to watch movies,
listen to music and chat online with my friends. |
|
JGANC |
You are amazing, Cristina. It has been my pleasure to share some
of your golf experiences with you. Have a wonderful 2006. |
|
JGANC |
Hi Ty. Glad you agreed to the interview. I've been interested
in the Cazet brothers ever since you and Kasey played in the
Junior Advisors' Team Shoot Out. I thought it was so neat for
you to pair as a team. Tell us a little about Ty. |
|
Ty |
Well, I'm 15 and a freshman at Rincon Valley Christian Independent
Study. |
|
JGANC |
That sounds like home schooling, but we'll talk about that later.
Let's get to golf. How did it all start? |
|
Ty |
My dad took us to play at a small golf course for fun. He
liked the "no politics" in golf. You earn whatever
score you get. |
|
JGANC |
I totally agree. Although I love team sports, there's always
a way to blame someone else for a poor performance or a loss
in a game. With golf, it is all you. There are great lessons
in life to be learned on the golf course. How long have you been
a JGANCer? |
|
Ty |
This is my 5th year. |
|
JGANC |
You started with us at an early age of 10. That's great, Ty.
You really are a fine player. How often do you practice? |
|
Ty |
I practice five days a week now that I am playing in high
school. |
|
JGANC |
Well, that certainly is a motivator. Have you set any goals? |
|
Ty |
My goal is to do my best on every shot and win a tournament. |
|
JGANC |
I love the first part of your goal. If you do that the winning
will come in time.
Now Ty, you play quite a few events. Tell us about the ones you
really enjoy. |
|
Ty |
The Redding tournament (now called Sam Baskins Memorial).
They have pizza and soda and giant trophies. The Little River
tournament (Mendocino Junior Open) has scorekeepers, even for
the 18-hole players. The Tokay Junior has hamburgers and free
driving range balls. The Oakmont (Sonoma County Junior) because
my parents put it on. |
|
JGANC |
I must comment on a couple of your choices. I, too, am amazed
that the Mendocino Junior Open provides scorekeepers for everyone.
That is so special and I wish more juniors would take advantage
of this event. Now on the Sonoma County Junior, give a big thanks
to your parents. It's not easy putting on a JGANC tournament.
We appreciate their efforts so much. They also put on the Santa
Rosa/Oakmont Junior. That's actually two events. They are special
people.
I feel I know you so much better, but before we go tell us some
things you enjoy besides golf.. |
|
Ty |
I like Airsoft, making movies on the computer, listening to
music, weight lifting, basketball, football, tennis and eating. |
|
JGANC |
I'm surprised you have time for golf. Boy, you are an active
young man. Good for you. By the way, I love the eating part.
Thanks Ty. Enjoyed talking with you. |
