ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Connor Baldwin

Lakewood Ranch junior Connor Baldwin sank a 25-foot birdie putt on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the boys 16-18 Greater Tampa Junior Golf event Feb. 13 at Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club in Tampa. Baldwin also earned an exemption to play in the Florida Junior Tour event May 14-15 at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you won the event?
I really didn’t play well all day, but I made a (few) par holes that I didn’t think I would make. I started playing better and (realized) I had a chance to win. In the end, I started hitting better.

How did you get into golf?
My Uncle Mark and my grandfather have always played. I pretty much grew up with a club in my hand.

What do you enjoy the most about golf?
The strategy and the level of competition that I’m out right now. The competition — that’s the reason I play.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
Golf is the main thing, but I want to study engineering or business. Those two are my backup plan, but I want to be (involved) in golf whether I’m playing or just the business aspect of it.

Who is your biggest role model?
My Uncle Mark. He’s been successful in business, and he’s a really classy guy. He’s a really good role model.

Are you from Florida originally?
I was born in Baltimore, Md. We moved to Florida in 2005. One of the main reasons was for golf.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
St. Andrews. It’s the home of golf.

Do you have any siblings?
No, I’m an only child.

What’s your favorite subject?
Psychology. Coach (Dave) Frantz teaches it, and I can always relate it to something in golf.