Junior Crystal Wang seems to be unstoppable as she competes her way through countless tournaments around the country. She is advancing closer with each stroke to her goal of playing golf professionally.
Earlier this year, Crystal went to Australia to compete in a golf tournament. “I did okay in the tournament, although I did get a little nervous while competing. I had to compete against Australian, Canadian, and Korean golfers, so it was interesting. At first, I didn’t feel like actually going to Australia, but after getting to the tournament I was so excited,” said Crystal. A few butterflies in the stomach didn’t stop Crystal from playing to the best of her ability.
Crystal’s golf career started 11 years ago when she was in Taiwan. “We had caddies [the people who carried the golf clubs], and they would give us candy. So I started playing golf because of the candy,” said Crystal. She no longer plays just for treats- golf is now just for her enjoyment. Starting at such a young age has helped her improve on important skills needed for her sport.
As an avid golfer, Crystal not only plays for the University City High School Golf Team, but also for the San Diego Junior Golf Association (SDJGA). According to Crystal, it was the SDJGA that took her along with three other golfers from San Diego to compete in the Australian tournament. “I just had to sign some papers and the association thought I was good enough to compete so they took me,” said Crystal.
Crystal currently is ranked twelfth in the Girls Championships, according to the official San Diego Junior Golf Association website (sdjga.bluegolf.com). Crystal has also competed in the Girls Golf CIF. “The second day of CIF I got nervous but I still made it to the next level by one stroke,” said Crystal. “Crystal Wang is such an amazing golfer,” said Attendance Staff Member Ruth Hartman.
According to Crystal, in Golf CIFs she came just in reach of winning the cup for originals. “I was just four strokes short from going to state,” said Crystal. Coming so close is a sign of dedication and hard work on her part. Her confidence in her ability to be an excellent golfer radiates through her personality.
According to the San Diego Junior Golf Association, the game of golf will teach self-discipline, respect, integrity, social skills, conduct, maturity, and balance. All of these life skills are invaluable for anyone, including Crystal.
According to Crystal, her parents have been her biggest supporters through the years she’s been golfing. Just like so many other great athletes, Crystal’s success is largely due to parental involvement and support.
“Golf is my life. There really isn’t much else I do in my free time,” said Crystal. It is quite likely that her great success in golf will not be limited to just high school, but will continue on to the professional field as she improves her skill even more.