William Mutch
Handicap: 2.4
How long have you been at WGC?: I have been a member at WGC for around 4 and a half years, since I moved from the United States.
What got you interested in golf?: I began playing during the initial Covid lockdowns in the U.S. due to other sports becoming restricted and became very intrigued in the sport quickly, borderline addicted my parents would say. I found myself practicing almost daily and enjoying seeing growth in my game.
What’s your favourite hole here and why? My favourite hole is the 18th as it requires a clear mind for a crucial final tee shot, with the added challenge of a very slopey green and careful putt.
What’s the best golfing tip you’ve been given? Treat every shot with the same respect and concentration, as the scorecard cannot tell the difference between a tee shot and a tap in putt.
Tell us about your win – how was your round / conditions / competitors?: My win at the Northland Open Juniors at Maungawhai GC was not an easy task as the conditions were not very favourable, with extensive rainfall and wind present almost the whole round both days, adding another level of difficulty. With my clubs almost slipping out of my hands, I was able to fend off multiple other lower handicap competitors and complete vital shots and found myself holding the trophy at the end.
If you could play a round with anyone (a foursome) who would you pick (and why)? I would choose Tiger Woods for his extreme level of knowledge in the sport as a learning opportunity, Ryan Fox for the New Zealand identity he has brought to the world of professional golf and the inspiration he has brought many young Kiwi players including myself, and lastly my late grandfather who was once a scratch player himself but unfortunately I never had the opportunity to play with.
Where would you love to play one day, and why? Due to the recent events in the US Open at Oakmont CC I would love to eventually have the opportunity of playing there and seeing personally how difficult it really is.
Do you have a long-term personal golfing goal you’re working towards? My long term dream goal is to be accepted into an American university on a Division 1 golf team scholarship, and having the honour of playing with the top amateurs in the world in inter-collegiate tournaments such as the NCAA championship.
What’s your favourite thing about WGC? My favourite aspect of WGC is the newly formed junior involvement in the club, and the exponential growth of junior players present at the club. It has created a very welcoming and social environment for kids interested in the sport and encourages them to get involved to experience the love of the game for themselves.
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