Golf? No Par-blem / Christopher Chan

Stuyvesant’s coed golf team is a quiet group, but is nonetheless extremely talented at the sport. The star of their team is Christopher Chan, who led the PSAL league in nine hole totals during the 2016-2017 season as a junior. A typical nine hole total ranges from 34-36, a proper mix of par-3, par-4, and par-5 holes. Chan’s nine hole total is 34, astonishingly good for a teenage golf player. Now a senior, he only looks to build on last year’s performance and better his teammates.

Q: At what age did you start playing golf? Why did you gravitate toward the sport?

I started playing golf at age eight. I went to summer camp at Chelsea Piers, and golf was one of the sports that they [offered], and I was good at it.

Q: What is your strategy for constantly improving yourself?

I go to practice a lot, and I try and work on specific things each time, depending on what I think can be improved. I also always try and focus on one thought when I’m practicing, like proper alignment.

Q: How do you balance schoolwork and golf? Do you have advice for others trying to do the same (with any sport)?

I generally practice 3-4 times a week during school months and almost every day during the summer. Since I’m currently a senior, I don't really have much work, but in past years, I just tried to get things done [one by one], not letting myself get distracted.

Q: What is one of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced when playing golf?

Earning respect is one of the biggest obstacles because a lot of people think golf is just for old white men and that kids should play sports like basketball.

Q: What’s one funny thing that’s happened to you on a course?

I was playing a match last year, and my teammate Nick attempted to hit the ball around the tree, but he hit the trunk [of the tree] instead, so then it came straight back and hit him.

Q: What are your proudest moments?

One of my proudest moments was being part of a team that won the PSAL championship in 2015 and 2016. We were undefeated for both those years despite some strong competition, and I was really happy that the seniors got to go out as champions. Another of my proudest moments was winning the 2017 PSAL Individual Championship. I had come in 4th my freshman year and 3rd my sophomore year, and I had finally won it last year. Placing in the top six meant that I would play at states, which was a big deal. Finishing third at states was the cherry on top.

Q: Are you going to aim for the Individual Championship again?

Of course! If I win it, I will deem this season a success.