Athlete of the Week: Connor Baldwin

The Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association recently named Lakewood Ranch High School golfer Connor Baldwin as its 2011 Player of the Year. Baldwin, who began playing GTJGA events six years ago, will represent the GTJGA in the boys 16-18 division of the Florida Junior Team Championships Aug. 6-7.

What does it mean to you to be named the 2011 Player of the Year?
It was nice to be honored and given the award, because I’ve been working really hard on my game.

What’s your fondest golf moment?
Last year at regionals, I knew I needed to birdie the last couple holes. I hit the pin and tapped in for birdie on the 17th hole; and I made a 10-footer for par on the 18th hole, which pretty much sealed the deal.

How did you get into golf?
My grandparents and uncle are really big golfers. They got me clubs when I was really little and got me started when I was about 5 or 6 years old.

Do you have a favorite golfer?
Bubba Watson. He’s left-handed and so am I. His style of play is also really aggressive.

What area of your golf game would you like to improve?
My chipping. My short game needs work. I feel if I’m going to get to the next level and play collegiate golf, then my short game is one thing I need to work on.

What’s your biggest strength as a golfer?
My iron game. I hit a lot of greens in regulation, which lead to a lot of birdies.

If you could play any other sport what would it be?
Lacrosse. My dad was an All-American in college, and I played for five years in Maryland. When we moved here, I started focusing on golf.

What’s your favorite movie?
“The Legend of Bagger Vance.” It’s a golf movie, and it has a good story line. The underdog comes back and wins.

What’s the toughest course you’ve ever played?
Congressional Country Club, where they had the U.S. Open this weekend. The length of the course is tough. It’s really hard to read the greens there.

What do you like to do when you aren’t playing golf?
Golf takes up most of my time, but I like to fish.