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10 Questions with Richard Lee |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 01 July 2008 |
1) Tell us about that 62. Did you know on the range you were going to play so well?
No, I really didn't know something like that was going to happen. I wasn't hitting it any better on the range than I had been the previous days. I just had a peace out on the course. I had no worries and nothing upset me. I didn't hit every shot perfectly by any means, but I focused so well.
2) You had a shaky start in the final round. Were you just nervous?
Any time you start out with a big lead it's tough. You have a very different mentality to the person who's a shot or two back. You have a lot more to lose. So yes, I was a little nervy starting out and I lost my focus a bit on the 3rd which I tripled. But instead of freaking out, it kind of woke me up and I was able to remain focused.
3) What does the win tell you about your game?
It confirmed that I belong in good company. And it was a major stepping stone for me. The Washington Amateur is a big tournament, my biggest win so far. I learned a lot about patience too. I hit a bad shot off the tee at the 7th in the second round and I let it bother me all day. I ended up shooting 74. When I made a couple of bad swings in the last round I knew I had to just let it go.
4) What are you working on? Any areas of your game that need serious attention?
Nothing technical, my swing is pretty much set. I've been working with Joe Thiel for about four years now and we're concentrating mainly on course management and the mental side; how to lose a shot or half a shot here and there.
5) When did you start playing? Where do you play most of your golf now?
I'm 21, have been married for two years and started playing golf at 14. I was down to scratch at 16 I think. I play most of my golf at Glendale which is where the Bellevue Community College team plays, and also Newcastle.
6) Was it always your intention to transfer from Bellevue to UW, or did the move come about when it was apparent you'd make the golf team?
About three years ago I had the opportunity to go and live in the Philippines. I played a lot of golf and was home-schooled but didn't really enjoy it so came back. I had to pass the GED to get into Bellevue to do an Associates Degree in Arts and Science. I always liked UW, I have a few friends there, so I always thought about transferring. And when Coach Thurmond invited me to join the golf team I was very excited.
7) What are you looking forward to most about Division I golf?
I think the PAC-10 is the strongest conference in the country so it's very exciting to know I'll be going up against some of the best college players in America. I know the rest of the team quite well. They're all good guys so I'm really looking forward to getting there and playing on the team.
8) What will you be majoring in academically?
Sociology. It's not something I'm ever going to pursue probably, but I'm interested in it. I did a few sociology classses as BCC and enjoyed them.
9) So really it's just a means by which to play golf?
Sociology is not the most demanding major which is perfect for me as I'll be looking to concentrate on my golf. I don't want to neglect my studies and I want to maintain good grades but the main reason for going to UW is to play golf. And hopefully we can win the National Championship.
10) What are your long term goals? Professional golf or something else?
I definitely want to graduate but as soon as I do I'm going to try the PGA Tour Q School. |
