Anthony Patton: A Rising Star in Junior Golf
From hitting golf balls on the green at the tender age of seven, Anthony Patton has now risen to become a promising freshman at Trinity Christian in Fairfax, VA. Patton’s golf career continues to flourish following his recent triumph at the Northern Virginia Junior Open in the Boys 14-15 Division.
Patton clinched victory in a nail-biting finish against his close rival, Chase Keller. In the opening round, Keller edged out Patton with a score of 79 to 80. However, Patton regained his composure and momentum in the second round, shooting an impressive 73 to conclude with a total score of 153. Keller also finished strong, securing second place with a round-two score of 76 and a total of 155 for the tournament.
Interview with Anthony Patton:
How did you feel about your most recent performance on the tour?
“I had just competed in the HJGT Myrtle Beach Summer Open at Tradition Golf Course a few days before, and I finished in first place, so I was more excited than usual going into the tournament and hoped to build on that positive momentum. At the Northern Virginia Open at Westfields, my first day was alright until I had a rough finish, but I am proud of the way I played on day 2, I only hit 6 greens in regulation but my short game and putting came in really clutch.”
What does the typical practice or training routine look like before heading into a tournament?
“In my practices leading up to a tournament, I like to specifically work on getting the clubs I know I will need as good as they can get and working on the clubs I struggled with recently. I always have to make sure my driver is doing good as well, because that is a key to my scoring well. Then I practice all kinds of chips and bunker shots around the green, then I practice my lag putts, and 10 feet and in. Also, if I can’t play a practice round, then the night before I look at the course online, and take notes on each hole.”
So far in your golf career, have their been any challenges or setbacks you have faced? How did you overcome them?
“This past year I have had a habit of not fishing strong – especially holes 16-18 in tight tournaments. I have worked on becoming a strong closer, and I have done a lot of mental game work, and it has paid off in my most recent tournaments.”
Are there any important lessons that you have learned from playing golf?
“I have definitely learned that hard work pays off, and to have fun in everything I do.”
What are some things you enjoy most about playing golf?
“I enjoy the new challenges that come up each and every day I play, and playing with friends is really fun.”
What are your career aspirations?
“My first goal would be to play golf at the University of Florida, then I would love to be a professional, either on the PGA Tour or just playing in tournaments all around in competition. Outside of a golf career, I would enjoy photography or shoe design.”
If you could play a round of golf with any three people, who would they be and why?
“It would be Bryson because he’s obviously a great golfer, he seems really chill, and I like his YouTube channel, Steph Curry because he’s been my favorite athlete forever, and I look up to him in many ways, and Garett from Good Good, because I love their channel, and he seems like he would be funny on the course.”
What are some other passions you have outside the sport of golf?
“I like to play lots of different sports with my friends – especially basketball. I also like photography, biking, and hiking.”
Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
“I like to go anywhere tropical, because I like the heat, and beaches usually have really good food nearby. “
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
“The best advice I have received is to put Christ first in my life, to do all things for the glory of God, and to have a positive impact on those around me. In the Bible it says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Anthony Patton continues to make strides in the junior golf scene, embodying dedication, skill, and a positive mindset. His journey is not just about sports but about growing as an individual and impacting others positively, both on and off the course.
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