ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Danny Walker

The East County Observer and Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient’s article will be featured on the restaurant’s wall.

River Club resident Danny Walker is a freshman on Lakewood Ranch’s golf team this year. He shot his lowest score in a tournament — a 68 — at the GSJGA Elite Tour held at The Oaks Country Club in Sarasota Aug. 19-20. Walker’s total 144 score earned him first in the boys 13-15 age group. Here’s an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

You shot your best round ever on your second day of the tournament. How did you do so well?
I was hitting very close to the hole, and I was making a lot of 10- to 15-foot birdie putts.

How did you get into playing golf?
I’ve been playing since I was about 3 years old. My grandfather gave me a club, and I just picked it up and started hitting.

What do you most enjoy about golf?
It never gets boring. It’s always challenging. Even on your best round, you still make mistakes and (have) challenges you have to get past.

Joining Lakewood this season will be your first experience playing in a team environment. What do you think about that?
I think I’m going to enjoy it. If you play well, you get to share it with your team.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Golf is a game. It’s meant to be fun. It should never turn into a job.

Do you hope to play professionally one day?
Yes, or I hope to get a scholarship to the University of Florida. Both my parents went there, and my sister is there now.

What is the best course you’ve ever played?
My favorite course I’ve ever played is probably Pinehurst No. 4, which is in North Carolina.