MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MemberSpotlight
ANDREW MCCOY
Andrew McCoy is 14 years old , in the 8th grade and by anyone ’ s standards is a “ heck of a golfer .” He has a handicap of 3.3 and had a career low score this summer of 72 from the white tees at LGCC . He has won six Roanoke Valley Junior Golf Association Tournaments , the SGA Junior Tournament and finished 20th in the Statewide VSGA Youth Championship at Kingsmill last August ( 13 & under ). I sat down with Andrew , his dad , John , and LGCC Club Pro Jeff Wagner to talk about Andrew ’ s golf journey .
One might say that golf is in his DNA in that his dad and grandparents , Lyn and Ellen
McCoy are all avid golfers . He started playing golf when he was seven years old . When asked if he beats his grandfather , Lyn , he smiles and says “ oh yes ”. Jeff added , “ he spanks the ball right past him ”. Andrew does not play on the Rockbridge Co High School team yet because he is not eligible until in the 9th grade . I am sure coach Miller can ’ t wait to have Andrew on the team . Andrew does play on the VSGA Roanoke Valley Jr . Circuit and competes with other 14 year old golfers , many of whom he aspires to beat . Jeff adds that competing has been good for Andrew . He loves the game of golf , which is evidenced by his commitment and dedication to the sport . He plays and practices every day , weather permitting , and can be found on the practice range or on the course . He says he practices puting in his room at home when he cannot be at the golf course . He is very driven and works hard at improving his game . I asked him what he loves most about golf and he smiled and said “ the comradery ”. He enjoys playing with others , adults and young people .
I asked Andrew a series of questions : 1 . What do you work on in your practice ? Whatever I am having trouble with at the time 2 . What is the best part of your game currently ? Short Game 3 . What part of your game needs the most work ? Wedge
4 . Who is your favorite player on the PGA Tour & Why ? Rory McIlroy because I like his overall game and the way he handles himself .
5 . Are there other sports you enjoy ? Is golf your favorite ? I play Soccer , but golf is my favorite . 6 . Where would you like to go to college and why ? Va . Tech -Both my dad and grandfather graduated from there
7 . Do you know what you would like to do professionally ? I would first like to earn a scholarship to play golf in college . I will see where it goes from there .
Jeff Wagoner , Andrew ’ s coach smiles when talking about him . It ’ s easy to see that Jeff is proud of him and sees potential for a bright golf future for Andrew . Jeff says he has come a long way in the four plus years he has been working with him . He is stronger emotionally and physically , and is becoming a complete player . His basic skills , alignment , grip , posture and stance have all improved and he works hard . Jeff points out that Andrew has developed good golf management skills and has learned how to think his way around the course . He understands the importance of golf etiquette and exhibits good skills on the course . He knows the rules and understands the importance of abiding by them . John McCoy , Andrew ’ s dad , says he has really enjoyed watching Jeff work with Andrew . He is able to get through to him at his level . John grew up playing golf at LGCC . He , along with buddies – George Pickral , Eric Reynolds and Kevin O ’ Connell played golf together throughout high school . It was a wonderful experience for John , and he loves that Andrew is having this experience . Andrew is learning so many life skills from the game . It teaches him to handle failure and success . John was able to caddy for Andrew up until this year , and loved having that experience with him .
Beverly Burks
Talking with Andrew was inspirational for me , and I felt good about our world and the future after talking with him . It reminds me what golf represents to so many young players . It teaches emotional strength , respect for self and others , etiquette , work ethic , and how to get along with others . He is a young man who loves the game of golf and wants to become the best he can possibly be . He understands the work required to achieve his goals and is totally committed . We are excited for Andrew and his bright future .
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