One man's secret to golfing success: tae kwon do.
There are also the two hours per day of driving ranges, putting greens and practice rounds, but for Chandler Hamilton senior C.J. Kim and his brother, Chun Ji, the martial arts classes are of critical importance toward PGA Tour dreams.
Slideshow: 2009 All-Tribune: Fall Sports
You can't kick or break bricks on a golf course, but the flexibility, endurance and physical fitness are partnered with mental disciplines necessary to become a black belt and shoot 70. Martial arts helped C.J. win four state championships as a team with the Huskies but also win consecutive individual state championships.
"We can control ourselves better," C.J. said. "We don't show our madness."
In defending his 5A Division I championship, Kim (73-70-143) used an eagle on No. 15 at Papago Golf Course to edge teammate Cameron Palmer by one shot.
C.J. took up the game at age 6 from his parents and hasn't let up.
He won the Bart Granger tournament championship in Texas, where dozens of the top high school golf teams compete outside Dallas.
He had a 69.4 scoring average in 18-hole tournaments this season, including a record-setting 12-under-par showing at the super regionals.
That came a few months after he finished fourth at the Western Junior Championship.
C.J. and Chun Ji are headed to the University of Denver next fall to study and play golf.
As for the snow and colder weather?
"During winter we have time off, so I'll come back to Arizona," he said. "Plus, I don't like to take time off from the golf course."
All-Tribune first team
Name, School Year Comment
C.J. Kim, Hamilton, Sr. Two-time 5A-I champ headed to Denver with brother
Blake Cannon, Horizon, Fr. 5A-II champion shot pair of 69s at state tournament
Ajay Wilson, Queen Creek, So. Seven-time medalist tied for 4th in 4A-I
Trey Kaahanui, McClintock, Sr. 4A-I champ in '08 was East Sky tournament winner
Evan Markley, Notre Dame, Sr. 35.1 average; took 3rd in 4A-II state tournament
Jordan Lowery, Perry, Sr. Won two invitationals, took 4th in 5A-II
All-Tribune second team
Name, School Year Comment
Nick Hool, Williams Field, So. 3-time medalist took 3rd in regionals, 5th in state
Matt Record, Chaparral, Sr. 3rd in 5A-II (144); finished 3rd in state tournament
Cameron Palmer, Hamilton, Jr. 2nd at state; 2-time all-state player
Zach Wright, Pinnacle, So. 2nd in 5A-II; season average was 35.92
Austin Quick, Chaparral, Jr. Took 8th at state; won Desert Valley Region tourney
Brian Blanchard, Notre Dame, Jr. Had 35.9 average; finished 6th at state
Golfer of the Year: C.J. Kim, Hamilton
Coach of the Year: Paige Peterson, Desert Vista. Led young squad to 2nd place at 5A-I state tournament
