By Joseph Staszewski
Sanghyeon Park never misses a moment to swing a golf club and his dedication earned him a historic victory.
The Benjamin Cardozo junior became the first PSAL golfer to ever win the New York State Federation boys’ golf championship at Bethpage Black June 14. Park won with a score of 77, one stroke better then his next closest competitor. He was unaware of the feat until PSAL golf commissioner Carrie Huggins told him after he was declared the victor.
“That’s something very special,” Judges coach Tim Demirayak said.
Park has been playing golf for less then three years, but since then a day hasn’t gone by that he isn’t on the links. He plays Bethpage Black regularly and said his familiarity with the course is an advantage. Park sneaks in extra holes after the team’s practice or after dispensing an opponent in a league match. Demirayak said it isn’t an extra half hour or hour of practice, but hours.
“I try to finish the round as soon as possible and go get more practice in,” Park said. “That’s what probably helped me win the championship—practice.”
Park was told by some of his competitors on the course that he was in position to win, but he didn’t take it for granted. He saw some good scores posted on the front nine holes and never let his focus waver. Park made a key birdie on the 11th hole that he felt was a big factor in his win.
“I knew I had to stay consistent or play better to win,” he said. “I just tried to stay focused and continue what I was doing.”
He hasn’t been able to take anything with golf for granted since problems with his grades took him off the team’s roster halfway through last year. It cost him a chance to help his team compete for an individual city and Federation crown as a sophomore.
“Because of me the team couldn’t make it to playoffs,” Park said. “I realized I should be stepping up my school grades to play for the team.”
There isn’t a noticeable flaw in Park’s game if you ask Demirayak. “I don’t think he has a weak part,” the coach said. “He’s very good off the tee. He’s excellent on his approach shots and he has a very fine touch around the greens.”
All thanks to a little practice.
