SLICE OF LIFE
Nineteen-year-old Phasit Wongwaiwate has become one of the most talked about promising golfers on the circuit. He studied at Grace International School, Chiang Mai, and graduated from Heritage Academy (Hank Haney IJGA) South Carolina, US.
The young talent recollects his first encounter with golf with much amusement, explaining: "If I recall correctly, it all began eight years ago, on an uneventful Sunday afternoon, whiling away time watching television with my dad. He was clicking through the channels and stopped abruptly when this peculiar image representing a leader board appeared. It wasn't any ordinary leader board, because there was something amiss with the numbers. In fact, numbers with a negative sign were posted on top, while those with a positive sign appeared at the bottom. This was a bit mind-boggling for me, considering that I was no more than 11 at the time. When I pressed my dad for an answer to what I was watching, his answer was concise, yet slightly elusive - "what you see in front of you is the amazing sport called golf!"'
Duke University's golf course, in North Carolina, was the venue for the budding amateur golfer's most recent tournament. In hindsight, he said his performance could mostly be described as fickle, because it was anything but predictable and stable. While making many bogies, he also was fortunate to have made plenty of birdies to compensate for his roller coaster performance.
Despite the hurdles, Phasit finished second in the tournament, and was made to fight each step of the way.
"Towards the end it was a three-way tie for first place, so it was two other players and myself," he said. "I knew that I had to finish this tournament strong, clinching top position wasn't far out of reach; all I had to do was concentrate and think fairway, green.
"I should mention that to get to the three-way tie in the playoff, I miraculously made a birdie on the 18th hole from off the green. It was exhilarating and the excitement stayed with me until I reached the sudden-death stage.
"In addition to that I had to tee-off first. My heart was pounding - but I was able to keep my composure.
"However, in the end, as the sudden-death match unfurled I had to accept my defeat and take second place. I don't view coming second as a setback but rather an experience that will help to push me forward as a golfer."
Phasit recommends that children play golf because it is definitely a better use of time than playing video games or other sedentary activities. Children need to participate in sports and get exercise, he said, because in conjunction with good eating habits it is known to promote better overall health.
While sports in general is supposed to be good for you, why pick golf?
"Well, contrary to popular belief, golf is not at all boring. In fact, it is a test of oneself against the course and Mother Nature," he said.
One thing that sets golf apart from other popular sports is that each golf shot is rarely the same. He noted there is always something unique about each shot you execute. The wind might be stronger today or maybe you are trying to hit your shot over a tree obstructing your path. There seems to always be a new challenge in golf.
To get youngsters started on the right foot, Phasit recommends beginners train on a golf course and get the "real" golf experience. In this manner, he said they will truly understand that golf is not just walking after a small white ball!
Phasit shares how he trains before a tournament.
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Writer: Yvonne BohwongprasertPosition: Reporter
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/01/06/teeing-off-to-a-perfect-start/
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