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"Off the Course" is where we talk to the players, learn about who they are, and get their thoughts about playing the game. From time to time we'll also interview college players about their junior careers and how college golf is different. We welcome your comments and suggestions. E-mail us or call toll free- 888-549-4653.
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Ty Tryon
Orlando, FL
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AJGA - First Team All American
2000 - Champion, PGA Junior
Champion, AJGA Robert Trent
Jones
Runner-up, AJGA Rolex Tournament
of Champions
1999 - Champion, AJGA Lucent Boys`
Junior Championship
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 When did you first
pick
up a club?
It was a plastic club, a fake one, when
I was about one and a half. I'd be in
a
stroller and I'd whack at it with that
club. I started playing when I went to
the golf course with my Dad. He
couldn't
leave me at home so he would take me to
the course and so we'd go three times a
week.
How about other sports?
I played ice hockey since I was five. I
did that mainly in North Carolina where
I grew up. We moved down here to
Florida
when I was seven or eight so the ice
hockey kinda stopped. But I also boxed
until about two years ago when I was
14.
I broke my arm fooling around so that
put an end to that. Missed three months
of golf too in the early spring.
Golf is obviously the sport
you've
settled on but do you still play others
for fun?
Yes. I'm a pretty good basketball
player. My younger brother is really
good. He's younger and has played on
the
AAU National Team.
Did you have other brothers and
sisters?
Yes I have two brothers and a sister,
all younger.
Let's talk about your first golf
tournament. Do you remember it?
It must have been when I was four. I
don't really remember it. I really
remember the tournaments here in
Florida
once we moved here.
Who's been the biggest influence
on your golf?
My Dad.
He makes all your clubs?
Not now but when I was younger he would
cut them down for me. He does do all my
grips now though. He does little things
with my clubs.
You're attending the Leadbetter
Junior Academy is that correct?
Yes I go four days a week.I leave
Sunday
or Monday and then come home on the
weekends. I get lessons with David
Leadbetter every couple of weeks.
Let's talk about your
tournaments.
You've always played "up" in age
groups.
What
do you think that's done for you?
When I was 10, I won everything I
played
in. To get me more competition, my Dad
moved me up to 12-13 age groups. I
didn't win but I would place in the top
three or so. Then, when I was 12 or 13,
I would play in the 14-15 group. It
just
helped my competitiveness. It helped
alot.
What is it you like about the
game
the most? You are clearly very good and
have had a great deal of success, but
what is it about the sport you like?
I just love it. It's really fun to play
and you can play for a long time. I
find
it the most challenging of any sport.
You have to use your head the most,
there are more variables. It's also one
individual as opposed to a team. You
can't blame anyone else or hide
anywhere
when you play poorly.
Today I saw you skull a wedge and
your Dad made the comment you did not
get angry. Is that something you have
been working on?
Yeah, I try not to get mad. Sometimes
you do and you cannot control it. It
happens but when I played with my Dad
he
would get upset with me if I got angry
and threw away the next shot too. He's
taught me a lot.
Are there certain tournaments you
like better than others?
Yes. You're from Virginia and I love
the
Scott Robertson. I haven't played well
there but I still love it. I like the
course and the people there are really
nice. Some tournaments aren't like that
and there are some I really do not like
at all, but the Robertson is one of the
best. I really like tournaments up
north. I love playing on bent grass
greens. Courses like Oakmont are great.
Tell us a little about practice
and how you approach it.
I mix it up. At Leadbetter we practice
some days, play some days . I also
practice a great deal on my own too so
I
try to mix it up quite a bit to keep it
from getting boring.
Do you play games with yourself
to
set up challenges?
More in putting than with the other
parts of my practice. During the
competitive season I practice very
little. My Dad doesn't want me
practicing a lot after a round, just a
little. When I play every week in the
summer, I don't do any heavy practice
at
all.
Playing so much, is burnout a
factor?
Not really. I love the game so much, I
always want to be playing or competing.
Nothing feels better than winning.
Take us through your game on a
scale of 1 to 10.
Driving…8 or 9
Long irons… 7
Mid irons…really good at 8 or 9
Short irons…8
Bunker play…9 or 10, I'm really proud
of
that.
Putting… pretty strong at an 8.
If you struggle, what does that
come from?
Probably driving or my lag putting.
What are your goals for the year
2000?
All American and Player of the Year
probably. I want to win two majors.
Last question. Bob Rotella talks
about composure, concentration, and
confidence. Where is Ty Tryon on those
three elements?
I feel really good on all three. I'm
not
anxious at all any more. Last year I
was
a little but not now, so my composure
is
pretty good right now. Occassionally
I'll lose concentration late in a
round,
but not very often.
Thanks for your time Ty. Play
well
.
You're welcome. I enjoyed it.
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