With statewide recognition as 12th in the state for junior college golf, Levi Garcia is making quite a name for himself.
Even after a difficult start to this season at Allan Hancock College, Levi has accomplished what he set out to do in the beginning of the season: go to state, compete, and walk away one of the best.
At the state championship Levi competed against all the best junior college golfers from northern and southern California.
“This season was rocky at first; [I] had to make transitions, and toward the end of the year, [I] won two tournaments—I shot a 71 and won, shot 70 in a league match and won as well, and qualified at state and took 12th at that tournament,” Levi said. “So the year was rocky but ultimately I reached my goal.”
Levi’s start in golf began after his All Star baseball coach recommended he give it a try. He was 15 at the time, and since then, has only become more passionate about golf. Levi plans to go to a Division-I school and continue to polish his skills with the eventual goal of becoming a professional golf player.
When asked what was he enjoys most about golf, Levi said: “Just playing well like in everything else. It’s the most frustrating sport because it’s all about you, and it’s also the most rewarding if you play well, and gives you the most gratification.”
Levi has already played in two tournaments this summer. At the San Luis Obispo County Championship he shot a 69-68, and at the Santa Barbara City Championship he played a 78-63-63. He plans on playing more amateur tournaments over the summer.
Looking toward the future Levi said: “Ultimately, I want to go professional, but step by step I want to go to Division-I golf, and from there work my way up to a professional circuit.”
—Gabby Hendriksen
This article appears in Jun 4-11, 2009.
