East County Athlete of the Week: Phoenix Scanlan

Phoenix Scanlan is a sophomore on the Lakewood Ranch High girls golf team. Scanlan finished 15th (77-85—162) at the Florida Junior Tour Sam Parks Open, held Aug. 10-11 at Belleair Country Club. Scanlan and the Mustangs will play Sarasota High and Saint Stephen's Episcopal at 3 p.m. Aug. 27 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Club as the 2024 season gets underway. The Mustangs finished seventh as a team at the 2023 state tournament. 

When did you start playing golf?

I started when I was 5 years old. I had shown some interest in it at some point, and some family friends bought me a set of clubs. We lived in a house in Panther Ridge that had a lot of land in the backyard. I just started hitting those clubs down this plot of land.

What is the appeal to you?

I like knowing, going into a tournament, that you are hoping to win. You're working hard toward something. When I was younger I never thought about playing competitive golf, even though I was a competitive person. But now my perspective has changed. I think having that drive (to win) makes it more exciting. 

What is your best skill?

My most consistent skill is putting. I think that is what keeps my scores low when maybe they should not be. I think it is where I feel the most control over what I can do, because it all happens in such a short amount of time. I also just like it, so I practice it a lot. Now it seems like second nature. I know I can rely on it. 

What have you been working to improve?

Consistency with my irons. That is something I am always working to improve, even though they are pretty good. I know because of my putting skills that, if I can get the ball a little closer to the hole, I have a good chance of making the putt. 

What is your favorite memory?

Going to the state tournament with my team last year. It was such a great experience. Golf can be an individual sport, and if you don't have the mentality for that, it can be tough. Playing on a team helped me a lot, and at states, we spent two whole days together hanging out and having a great time playing the sport we all love. 

What are the team's goals for this season?

The hope is to get back to states. Last year was our best finish as a team, so hopefully this year we can beat that and finish in the top five. We have a good team. We have a freshman named Willda (Kuang) who is going to be an amazing addition, so I think we can do it.

What is your favorite food?

I love a burrito from Chipotle. Brown rice, black beans, chicken and cheese. 

What is your favorite school subject?

I'm taking health and nutrition as an elective this year. I like that because it is something that relates so well to my life. I'm interested in it. 

What is your favorite movie?

Well, I just saw the new "Twisters" movie recently. That is a great one. 

What are your hobbies?

I love to go to the beach and watch the sunset. That is something that is important to me. If I'm in a not great place on the golf course, I'll think of being on the beach watching the sunset to get out of it. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Never stop enjoying your sport. You can get stressed out about something, or maybe you are just not having a great month, but you can't let that affect your love for the game. Golf is my escape. It is what calms me down and is where I feel the most positive about myself. So try not to get too overwhelmed about anything. When it comes to your sport, stay in the moment. 

Finish this sentence: "Phoenix Scanlan is …"

Cool-headed. I don't lose control of my mental game. That is something I have worked on for a long time.