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 Four Palm Desert High School students recently had the opportunity to do both when Arnold Palmer teed it up with them at the Classic Club in Palm Desert, the home course for last month’s Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. Josh Braun, Chris Sercu, Casey McIntosh and Simone Strauss got the opportunity to play nine holes with Palmer after qualifying at an event with other area high school players. “They are all talented golfers,” Palmer said. “I like to play with junior golfers because they are the future of golf.” The Classic Club was designed by the Arnold Palmer Course Design Group and is open to the public. Here are what the four high school players thought about the experience. Casey McIntosh Age: 16. Grade: Sophomore. Shot a 40 in the 16-17 girls division to qualify. What were your thoughts before the round? I was excited, yet terrified at the same time. Can you explain what was going through your mind before you hit your first tee shot? I just imagined the crowd not there and that it was a normal day on the golf course, and it worked. I didn’t shank it. I didn’t hook it. I just hit it in the fairway. How was it having a caddie by your side? He was everything a caddie needed to be and more. He was awesome. He was perfect on selecting clubs. Did Arnold Palmer give you any compliments about your game? He told me that I looked pretty good. I was inspired by that since an established player like Arnold Palmer said I have talent. Was this your first time playing with a touring professional? This was the first time playing with a pro. I’d been a sign-bearer for events, but that’s how close I got until now. It was a learning and memorable experience. Playing in front of crowds, I got to feel how life is on the tour. How did you like the Classic Club? It’s a beautiful course. It was nice to see the mountains, while not seeing any buildings or cars drive by while we played the course. The best thing about the course was the greens. It felt like I was at the Masters. Josh Braun Age: 17. Grade: Senior. Shot a 37 in the 17-18 boys division to qualify. What were your thoughts before the round? I was a little nervous anticipating playing golf with Arnold Palmer. What were your thoughts on the first tee? I was trying to hit the best shot I could and to make Arnold Palmer happy. Was there any point in the round where you felt nervous? I was nervous the whole time. After seeing the crowd on the first tee, it hit me. But it was a great learning experience at the same time since I want to be a PGA Tour player. How was it having a caddie by your side? It felt like I was playing in a PGA Tour event. It was really cool. Did Arnold Palmer compliment you about your golf game? He told me that he liked how I hit the ball and my swing. What did you learn from playing golf with Palmer? It was my first time playing with a PGA Tour pro. It was something to see the consistency of every shot. I know that I have to be more consistent. What did you think of the Classic Club? I like the golf course a lot. The back nine was very scenic with all the water and desert in the background. Simone Strauss Age: 14. Grade: Freshman. Shot a 41 in the 14-15 girls division to qualify. What were your thoughts before the round? I was nervous. I didn’t want to shank a ball on the range and make a fool of myself before I teed off. What was your thought process on the first tee, and how did you react to seeing the crowd? I started to shake. I was thinking about the water on the right. I was a bit freaked out, but I normally hook the ball, so I figured that I wouldn’t hit it in the water. How was it having a caddie by your side? It was nice that I didn’t have to lug my clubs around. My caddie was very helpful with telling me how the putt was going to break and giving me accurate yardage. Were there any compliments that Palmer gave you? Not really, but he asked me why I was hitting my 3 iron on the 11th tee. He was in awe when I told him that I could hit my 3 iron 210 yards. What was your overall impression and experience of playing golf with Palmer? I really enjoyed the day with him and I learned a lot. How did you like the Classic Club? It was beautiful. It didn’t feel like I was in the desert with all that water on the course. Chris Sercu Age: 16. Grade: Junior. Shot a 38 in the 15-16 boys division to qualify. What were your thoughts before the round? I was focusing on what Arnold Palmer has done for the game of golf. Once I hit the range I turned my focus to preparing myself mentally for the day. What were your thoughts on the first tee? I was trying to hit a good shot and not let the pressure get to me. I just tried to hit a good shot down the middle, but I pulled it. I admit I was a bit nervous. When did your nerves settle? I made a great par putt on the 10th hole, and after that I bombed a drive on the 11th. How was it having a caddie by your side? Having a caddie was great. He really helped me line up my putts and made me feel comfortable on where to place my tee shots. Did you get any compliments from Arnold Palmer? Not really. He was busy talking and giving autographs, but I did get an Arnold Palmer umbrella pin and ball maker. Have you played with any other PGA touring professionals? I played with Adam Scott in the pro-am for the Skins Game. How does playing golf with Adam Scott compare to playing with Palmer? It was different. There is an aura around Palmer because he has accomplished so much in the golf world. |
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