Although beginning the sport a few years ago, senior Spencer Lee has become a major component of the golf team. He now holds the No. 3 position, helping the group to secure its recent championship.

Compared to the other players who began playing at early ages, Lee began when he was 14 and found that the challenge of golf immediately enticed him.

“My dad got me a membership for my 14th birthday and I started that day,” Lee said. “For the rest of that summer, I played an average of 18 holes a day. It was something new and I liked the challenge. The golf course was a fun place to hang out and meet new people; and the longer I played, the more I wanted to improve.”

As there are many obstacles and opportunities to get frustrated while on the course, it often is difficult to keep his composure, Lee said.

“I always try to get myself as prepared as possible for every shot of every round,” Lee said. “Even if everything doesn’t come out as I plan, I can bank on the fact that I did everything in my power to succeed.”

In addition to the obstacles on the course, Lee said nervousness used to bother him, but he has now pushed past the nerves.

“When I first started playing golf, I got really nervous before matches and tournaments,” Lee said. “Now I’m at the point where I enjoy tournaments more because they condition me to hit shots under pressure. If there’s nothing on the line, it’s not as fun.”

Although Lee was not able to accomplish some of his goals this season, he said the round at the West Sequoia League Championships at Madera Municipal Golf Course was his best this year.

“When I shot 73 at the League Championship, it was one of the few rounds this year that I played well,” Lee said. “I’ve got to focus on the positive. It was my most stress-free round ever and showed me what I’m capable of doing.”

Sophomore Jeff Roseth, No. 2 on the team, commended Lee’s perseverance and cool attitude on the course.

“He stays very composed out on the golf course,” Roseth said. “He doesn’t get too angry, but he also doesn’t get real excited, either. Spencer’s also very dedicated to what he wants and works very hard to achieve his goals.”

In addition to his coach, Lee receives instruction from teaching pro Cindy Vining of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. She has been working with him on his swing and has seen development in his overall play, she said.

“I think Spencer has gotten stronger in his mental approach to the game,” Vining said. “Bad shots are a part of the game, but the real test is how well you can recover and regroup; I think he’s really improved there.”

At the Valley Team Championship, he went out in 9-over par 45, but shot the third best score of the day on the back nine ? a 1-under 35. He finished with 80 for the day to help FC earn second place for the tournament.

Besides the goal of becoming a better golfer, Lee has found the game to prepare him for other challenges in life, he said.

“Golf helps with overcoming fear. You can’t be afraid to try new shots or of hazards like water and out-of-bounds,” Lee said. “It also teaches you good etiquette that can be used in everyday life.”

Accepted to Biola University, Lee is going to major in kinesiology and play golf on the school team. However, he knows that he still has some hard work over the next few months to be in prime condition.

“It’s going to take lots of work this summer to get ready for college golf,” Lee said. “I’m excited for the opportunity and I’ll definitely put the work in. This summer I’m hoping to improve my swing mechanics, and also work on fitness and the mental aspect.”

For more information, read the May 7 article, Sophomore golfer finds stride, or check out the Golf sport shorts, 2010.