JGANC Interviews

Meet your JGANC members. We attempt to introduce you to members of all age groups. Next time you see them at a tournament, say hi to these friendly members.

Meet Ryan Chiang from Danville

JGANC	Hi Ryan. We met the first time at the 2008 Junior Advisors Team Shoot Out. Another year has gone by. Let's learn more about you. Why don't you tell me how you got started in golf?
Ryan	I watched in awe as Tiger Woods played in his tournaments. Like most young kids, I was inspired to become a talented golfer like him.
JGANC	You are right. Tiger has influenced golf in many ways and many juniors have taken up the game because of him. You have a brother who also is a JGANC member. Are you two competitive with each other?
Ryan	We are mildly competitive with each other. However, we set our own personal goals that we aspire to reach individually.
JGANC	Speaking of goals, did you make any golf goals for this year?
Ryan	My goal for 2009 will be to shoot in the mid-to-low 80s, ten strokes lower than my scores last year.
JGANC	Ten strokes is quite a goal. That means lots of practice. Of course, getting better at anything takes practice, as you well know. What have you enjoyed the most about being a JGANC member?
Ryan	Firstly, I enjoy having the opportunity to play in the same environment as many other good players. Secondly, I enjoy going to various courses and experiencing different difficulties on each one.
JGANC	Do you play on a high school golf team?
Ryan	Golf outside the JGANC hardly exists for me. My high school's golf team is highly competitive and I have not made the team in my three years of high school. I play golf to enjoy the sport whenever I play outside of JGANC.
JGANC	You have the right attitude. You said something that really impresses me. You said you tried three times to make your high school golf team. The word "tried" is so important here. You could have given up after the first try. You didn't and kept on trying. Maybe it will never happen, nevertheless something about this is showing your character, far more important than making a team. Let's get back to the JGANC. Do you have a favorite tournament?
Ryan	My favorite is the Junior Advisor Team Shoot Out.
JGANC	It sure is a fun tournament and I hope to see you and your brother out there this year. What about Ryan outside of golf?
Ryan	I play in the drum line at my school's marching band. I play piano, as well. I also play various recreational sports with my friends such as basketball and soccer.
JGANC	Sounds like you are a very busy fellow. We're so glad golf is part of Ryan too and that you are a member of the JGANC. Good luck to you.

Meet Patrick Fabian from Orinda

JGANC	Hi Patrick. I've really looked forward to meeting you. Your grandfather was a JGANC Dirctor on our Board many years ago. He was a very special person. Your uncle played in the JGANC when he was a junior. You are carrying on the Fabian tradition. Did they share any JGANC stories with you?
Patrick	Well, yes, but not particulary specific stories. When we look at the calendar at the beginning of every year my dad says "Your uncle Mike won that tournament," and he would just go on and on.
JGANC	That's neat. What a great thing to be a part of something that played such an important role in your family. Your grandfather would be very proud you are a JGANC member and playing golf. How did you get started playing golf?
Patrick	At an early age I would always tag along with my dad when he went and played golf. I would sit in the cart when it got to be too much and just watch my dad play.
JGANC	Did you set a goal for 2009?
Patrick	Yes, I would like to be in the top five in all my tournaments.
JGANC	Wow, that is quite a goal. I'm sure you can reach this goal by working hard on your game. You'll be playing quite a few JGANC tournaments. Which one is your very favorite?
Patrick	My favorite tournament is Green Valley.
JGANC	That is a great tournament. I bet your uncle played in that one too. It has been a premier event for many years. What has been the most fun in the JGANC so far?
Patrick	I had a lot of fun at the two-man alternate shot tournament because there was no pressure.
JGANC	That's the Junior Advisor Team Shoot Out. It's on the calendar again so hope to see you there. Who is your model on the PGA tour?
Patrick	My model is probably Geoff Ogilvy because I like his swing and I like Puma and he wears Puma.
JGANC	You make me smile.....always thinking about fashion. Yes, he is an excellent golfer and model. Besides golf, what other activities do you enjoy?
Patrick	I enjoy playing wall ball with buddies, jump on the trampoline, play basketball and pretty much anthing else that will keep me active.
JGANC	Sounds like you are quite an athlete. Good to have you with us and tell your Uncle Mike hello for us.

 

Meet Shotaro Ban from San Jose

JGANC	Shotaro, you have simply burst upon the scene and impressed us all. This is obviously going to be a big year for you. Do you have a specific goal you want to accomplish?
Shotaro	I just want to be out there and have fun, learn a lot of things and definitely improve. I want to win every tournament that I play in, whenever it is overall or in our age group.
JGANC	They always say you need to step up to the tee feeling you are going to win and the rest of the crowd is playing for second. I hope it works for you. You have certainly started out well. You have a younger brother who is also a JGANCer. Are you two competitive with each other?
Shotaro	We are very competitive, but not towards each other. We both have the passion and determination that drives us to get better.
JGANC	It seems that would be an advantage having someone always there to play or practice with.....yet support each other. You speak of passion. When did you start playing golf?
Shotaro	When I was around 10, my dad brought me out to the range once every two weeks. Then, year ago, we got a membership at Saratoga Country Club and that is when I actually started playing golf.
JGANC	Do you play on a high school golf team?
Shotaro	I play on Archbishop Mitty High School's team and it is really fun. I've learned so much from my friends on the team. We won the West Catholic Athletic League this year with a 13-1 record. Our team also includes Stephen Jahncke, Gable Ignacio and Ryan Rankin, all JGANCers.
JGANC	That is an impressive team. No wonder you have such an excellent record. Speaking agiain of the JGANC, what tournament is your favorite?
Shotaro	I enjoyed the Oakdale Country Club Junior.
JGANC	They do a rnice job at that event. How about someone you admire on the PGA tour?
Shotaro	Tiger and Anthony Kim are both my models. I like Tiger because you know he is going to make that putt when he needs it most and I admire that. I like Anthony Kim because of his amazing swing and his attitude. He is modest, friendly and very funny.
JGANC	These are super choices. I think Anthony really touches the young people of our association. He is funny and you do need humor in this game. Well, I've learned lots about you Shotaro. What about Shotaro, the non-golfer?
Shotaro	I like to just hang out with friends, play basketball and swim. I swam competitively for 6 years so its nice that I don't have to try hard anymore and it keeps me in shape. And best of all, I like to sleep.
JGANC	Now there's an honest fellow. Hope you don't have too many early tee times so you get your snooze time. Thanks Shotaro, nice talking with you.

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