THE WINNING ZONE
EDITION 7 - JULY 2007
JAMES BYRNE QUESTION AND ANSWER INTERVIEW
James Byrne is one of Scotland’s hottest golfing prospects. A multi-talented athlete, Byrne was also a top-class swimmer until he decided to focus his sporting ambitions solely on golf in 2004.
And it has been a worthwhile decision.
He admits himself that the self-discipline required to undertake a 20 hour per week swimming schedule on top of his golfing and school commitments have been of benefit to him now he has focused his attention on sinking the ball rather than staying afloat.
The Banchory lad has had quite a career since he turned his attention to the fairways green. He represented Scottish Boys as a junior, and he is now taking to the adult stage for Scotland at this month’s European Amateur Team Championship at Western Gailes Golf Club, where he will line up alongside US Amateur Open Champion Richie Ramsay.
Byrne’s next adventure will be a scholarship at Arizona State University in the US, where he (and Scotland) hopes he will hone his skills sufficiently to become a top professional in the near future. And he has set his standards high – he wants to be ranked number one in the world and play in the Ryder Cup.
No doubt you will agree he sounds like a winner, which is why In The Winning Zone caught up with him for a chat to find out more…
WZ: Hi James, thanks for speaking with us. In your relatively short career, what would you say has been the most important influence on you so far?
James: My parents. They introduced me to golf at a young age and when they saw that I had potential they supported me fully. Without their ongoing encouragement I would not have had the opportunities I have been given.
WZ: Tiger Woods claims he wasn’t talented as a youngster, that hard work made him the player he is. With that in mind, how much would say is down to talent, and how much is owed to hard work and practice?
James: It is a talent itself to have the dedication and patience to practice. In my opinion it is 100% down to hard work and striving to improve to make yourself successful. But clearly you need some talent to start with.
WZ: Did you have any roles models in golf growing up? Who were they, and what influence have they had on shaping your career?
James: Tiger Woods. I admired his decision to complete his college education when he was constantly being persuaded to turn professional. This has greatly influenced my decision to attend university in Arizona this coming August and complete my four year degree.
WZ: As a junior moving onto the men’s circuit, what are you looking for most – performance or victories? (i.e. would you rather play badly and win or play well and not win?)
James: Play badly and win. I feel that in the long term, winning will be more important for my confidence.
WZ: When you are playing, what do you feel gives you the edge over other golfers? What makes you think – ‘I can win this?’
James: Mental strength and resilience. I know that I have the physical and tactical ability. However, if I don’t believe that I can win then I am already at a disadvantage to players who do.
WZ: What has been your most memorable moment on the golf course to date?
James: Victory on the final day against Ireland to win the Boys Home Internationals for the first time in 11 years. The pressure of the situation coupled with the immense team spirit was something that I will always remember.
WZ: And what is your long term ambition? What is necessary for you to reach that goal?
James: To compete and ultimately win on the PGA Tour. Working hard on all aspects of my game both physically and mentally. Allowing myself to mature and learn from every experience on the golf course.
WZ: How big is the step up from junior to senior? And then how big a step is it to go from there to the pro circuit?
James: Competing at the highest level of junior golf has made the transition to the men’s ranks much easier. Whilst I respect the achievements of others I have belief in my own ability. It is a much bigger step to the professional ranks but I am sure with continued hard work and development I will achieve that goal.
WZ: What made you want to be a golfer?
James: Watching the top players compete on television and my own personal enjoyment playing and competing.
WZ: Do you need much motivation or mentoring on the course, or do you prefer to keep to yourself
James: I feel that I can always learn from others but ultimately it is my responsibility to keep myself motivated and remain focused under pressure situations.
WZ: Thanks James. Good luck in the championships!
Graham F Watson
Labels: Boys
posted by Colin |
See story on its own page | Monday, July 02, 2007
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