He’s 14. And not entering into the under 15 tournaments or a kids’ scout camps. Andy Zhang’s past week went by waiting to tee off with a bunch of professional golfers at the Olympic Club as he prepares to be the next big thing in golf.
Andy Zhang – Golf’s next big
He has been signing autographs and posing for a whole lot of pictures; outside the social networking world. He admits that it feels strange however this is what the road of the newest golfer looks like. Zhang was the youngest one out there in the US Open practice rounds.
As Paul Casey was left injured, Andy Zhang filled in his position and become the highlight of the week. He was actually on the fifth spot but a few other injuries and exits made things much easier for Zhang. He was on standby for the waiting and as soon as Paul Casey left out a opening, Zhang was next in line to fill it up.
He moved to the States (Florida) when he was 10 years old from China. His ideal golfer is undoubtedly Tiger Woods who inspired him to take up the sport when Woods won the 2009 PGA championship. All he can say now that it all feels like a dream. He has been amongst the biggest names of the sport, walking, playing and spending the mornings with them.
Amidst all the new found fame, Zhang is still the little boy who fancies having met his idol.
“This morning I shook his [Woods] hand. I was like: ‘wow I have just shook Tiger’s hand’!”
Players like Woods and Watson have been patting the boy on the back and saying that though he still has a long way to go, he can play! Zhang is just 14 years old but its not in everyone’s everyday that they get to be a part of the US Open. You have got to be good!
Zhang started playing gold tournaments right from 10 and even won the division in the Junior World Championship at Torrey Pines. Without knowing a word of English and coming in from a foreign background, he taught himself the needed bit by bit on the way and now stands next to the man he never knew he would have ever gotten to take a picture with.
Cameras and other youngsters crowded around the little star to see the new boy sensation play on Tuesday.
