Questions by Kiet Luong
Photos by Justin Nguyen and CT

1. Where did you go to school and what’s your day job?
I’m a proud Texas A&M Aggie Alumni. I received my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from A&M and my MBA from UH. I have been working for BP for over 13 years, mostly in various engineering roles. I’m currently in a role that supports the development and deployment of staff. I enjoy meeting great people across BP and traveling to different sites.

2. How about family… Are you married?
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Theresa (who graciously supports my golf habits), for 8 years and have two active (to say the least) boys, Jonathan and Ben. They mean the world to me.

3. Your real name is Thanh, but everyone has been calling you CT every since I have known you, what’s the story behind that?
The Corp of Cadets at A&M are called CT’s. I got that nickname from by teammates when I was on the A&M Vietnamese basketball team. My teammates thought I was one of the Corp of Cadets because I had a crew cut during my freshman year, so they called me CT. I have been stuck with that name since 1990. Even my parents and wife call me CT. I have been meaning to legally change my name one day.

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
I was interested in golf in high school, but I didn’t become a golf addict until after a few of my buddies invited me to play golf with them at the San Jacinto College golf course. I got hooked after hitting a few good shots. I joined HVGA in 2008 and became a committee member in 2009 to help make improvements to the club for our members.

5. Why did you start playing golf competitively with HVGA?
At first I was reluctant to join HVGA, but then I wanted to see how my game stacked up against other Vietnamese golfers in a competitive environment. Low and behold, I won the first tournament that I participated in as a member and thought it was going to be easy the rest of the way. Well, let’s just say it was beginners luck and I have to work harder if I want to be in the winning circle again.

6. How has playing golf with HVGA affected your overall golf experience?
Participating in HVGA tournaments has taught me that you have to put in the work to become a better golfer and prepare yourself mentality so that you can compete against other great golfers. There are no gimme putts in HVGA tournaments, so you have to concentrate on every shot/putt. I have also had the opportunity to meet new Vietnamese golfers that I would never have met playing weekend golf with my same friends.

7. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
My most memorable golf experiences were those early days when I learned how to play golf with my buddies at SJC and Sharpstown GC. We had a lot of fun learning how to play the game, exploring different golf courses, and learning about different types of golf equipment. I remembered we played one round in the pouring rain with rain boots and pull carts because we love the game so much. Those were the days when you could go home smiling after breaking 120….LOL

8. Where do you call your “home” course and what’s the lowest you’ve scored there?
I love playing Memorial Park GC. The staff is so friendly to me out there and the course layout is very pleasing to the eye. It’s my “country club” since I receive special treatment and attention from the staff. I shot an 80 out there and still have the signed scorecard to prove it.

9. Any hobbies aside from golf?
I really enjoy snowboarding, traveling with my family, and fishing. I just bought a Nikon SLR camera and hope to get into photography this year.

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
First and foremost, balance the amount of time spent on the golf course with your family time. Second, golf has its ups and downs, so don’t beat yourself down when you’ve have a bad round. Learn from your mistakes so that you’ll know next time what you need to do. Lastly, have fun and respect the game.

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on March 17, 2011

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
I’m an Oil & Gas Auditor working for the U.S. Federal Government. I’ve been a civil servant for the past 20 years. I’m currently working out of Shell Oil Company located on I-10 & Dairy Ashford Rd.

2. Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Dulles High School in Sugarland in 1984. I went on to the University of Texas for 2 years before transferring back to the University of Houston and graduated with a BBA in Accounting Degree.

3. How about family…Are you married? Kids?
I’m happily married for the 15 years, but been together since 1988. We got 3 beautiful kids: Audrey (12), Nicholas (10), and Noah Nguyen (3).

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HGVA?
I’ve been playing golf since 1997 and been with HVGA since 2002 when Ricky Hesston and I were working as Marshalls at Greatwood Golf Course.

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
I’ve got several, but one that really sticks out was one of the Texas Cup in Dallas. Justin and I were partners on A-flight. We made the team as a replacement for several players who could not make the trip to Dallas. Our Texas Cup Captain designated us as a SCRACFICAL LAMBS against the #1 Dallas team. I remember Justin and I wasn’t too excited about the matchup. We were playing scramble format. After 9 holes and we were only one down to the #1 team. We were scrambling and making pars from all over the place. We ended up losing to them on the 17th hole. I was pretty proud of how we hung around and not let them intimidate us. They were much much better players then us.

6. You started out in A-flight and made a huge impact as a member of several Texas Cup team. So why are you back playing in B-flight?
For several reasons:

• I only made the Texas Cup teams because other players couldn’t go. I did not earn the spots.
• Since A– Flight plays from 7,000 yards tee box, I only get to use 4 clubs in the bag. Driver, 3wood, wedge, and a putter. On a Par 5, Driver off the tee, 3wood of the fairway, 3wood to around the green, wedge onto the green, and 2 putts. On Par 4, Driver offs the tee, 3wood to around the green, wedge onto the green and 2 putts. Most Par 3s, 3wood to around the green, wedge onto the green and 2 putts. This is not golf. If you are using only 4 clubs to play a round of golf from the tip, then you definitely should not be playing from there. Being long is only one aspect of playing good golf.
• Playing in B-flight allowed me to use all the clubs in my bag. On longer holes, I’ll get to use my woods and hybrids off the fairway. On shorter holes, I get to use my short and mid irons off the fairway. Playing from 6,300 yards to 6,600 yards allowed you to develop your all around game. Even for the long ball players, they will get more out of playing from middle tee. They can learn how to manage the course better.
• In B-flight, I have more fun playing with guys with the same handicap. Every tournament there is a different player who can win the tournament. Unlike A-flight, only Hien and Loi win all the tournaments. I still have not won one yet, but there is always a chance in every new tournament.

7. Where do you call your “home” course and what’s the lowest you’ve gone there?
Quail Valley Golf Courses….83 on Eldorado.

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
Deep sea fishing & Flag football.

9. You and Thanh Tran have been organizing mini tournaments. Are you guys trying to startup another VGA in Houston? If so, what would you call your organization?
No, we are not trying to startup another VGA in Houston. We are trying to gives HVGA players an opportunity to compete on a different format than HVGA regular tournaments. These shootouts will teach all the HVGA players how to play the 2 men teams’ formats (Scramble, Best Ball, and Alternate Shot). Plus, it is FUN. Also, I’ve been playing in HVGA tournaments for over 5 years now, both A-flight and B-flight and still have not comes close to winning anything. I’ve been watching my friends whom I brought into HVGA (Simon Nguyen, Vinh P. Nguyen, Thinh Ngo, Nghan Nguyen, and Jim Davis); all have won their shares of trophies within their 1st year. I need to improve my game to be able to compete with all the guys in B-flight. In the mean time, the 2 men team formats allow me to compete and win right now. E.g. 2 tournaments, 2 win.

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
Drive for SHOW, Putt for DOUGH!….

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on January 27, 2011

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
I work as a Medical Physicist in a cancer center. This involves many responsibilities but mainly insuring that patients are receiving the correct radiation therapy treatment by performing quality checks on all equipments & procedures used.

2. Where did you go to school?
I received my bachelor degree from Indiana University and my master from LSU.

3. How about family… Are you married? Kids?
I’m as single as a hole-in-one. Kids? I would like to have a few soon, but first I need to find a fertile egg that will not resist my boys.

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
My brother introduced me to golf back in 1994. I’ve been with HVGA since its birth in 2001.

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
There are many that are stored somewhere in my brain. The one that I’m most proud of is from the club championship of SCVGA (Southern California VGA) where I was able to win using a very odd putting technique. I’m sure no one in their right mind would ever try this technique, but I didn’t have much to lose since my putting was so poor. I putted by looking at the hole while making my stroke so that I can get a better feel for the distance and not worry about all those mental distractions/blocks that I was having while stroking my putts.

6. I know that you were one of the founding members of HVGA. Give the kids a little history of how this club got started.
Before HVGA official inception, I was mainly playing at Greatwood golf course where I was a volunteer. I meet a fellow Vietnamese golfer that was eager to match me up against Hien Vo. At the time, I was new to Houston and didn’t know of any Vietnamese golfer to play with. After having played a pretty tight match, Hien, I and a couple of other Vietnamese golfers (Son Le, Kraig Nguyen, Ha Van Huynh and others I can’t remember) went around town playing golf and at the same time, recruiting more players to join us. Within a matter of weeks, we had roughly 20 players that shared the same passion in golf.

One of Hien’s dreams was to hold a tournament where Vietnamese golfers from around the country can compete in a social, friendly and competitive environment. With this in mind, he created the Vietnamese Golf Association (VGA) national championship which is held in Las Vegas every year in August. Golfers from Southern & Northern California, Dallas, Louisiana and Houston participated in this memorable inauguration event in 2000. Although there were only about 70 players, the event was a great success and is where I consider “HVGA” was first used to call our group of golfers from Houston. The inception of HVGA, however, did not occur until a year after Hien and I were somehow persuaded to join the Southern California VGA during the Bajamar event that they invited us to. We took the structure and by-laws from SCVGA to help get HVGA started. And that, kids, is how our club got started.

7. Where do you call your “home” course and what’s the lowest you’ve gone there?
I don’t have a current home course, but if I had to call any golf course my home, it would have to be where I practiced and played the most rounds. The course is Indiana University golf course where I worked part-time during college picking up range balls with a tractor. Yes, I said it! I drove a real tractor just like a farmer. After only having played 2 years or so, I scored my lowest round of 74 there.

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
I met some of my best friends shooting pool. I also enjoy doing karaoke with a bunch of drunken friends.

9. As long as I’ve known you, you’ve always had one of the best-looking golf swings in the club. Though lately the beautiful swing is still making me jealous, but your game as a whole is not what it was three or four years ago. Tell us why and what you’re doing to get back to form.
As you might have heard elsewhere, golf is 90% mental and 10% physical. Obviously, my swing isn’t any good since my head is playing tricks on me. Currently, I’m trying to just get myself out to the driving range as much as possible to gain more confidence in my swing when playing on the course. Also, my short game has improved dramatically through Phil Mickelson’s short game video instructions. This is where my game had the most room for improvements.

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
Golfing tip: If you haven’t watched the Phil Mickelson’s short game video, then you better have a handicap of 5 or less.

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on March 15, 2010

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
Chiropractor and Real estate agent.

2. Where did you go to school?
UH and TCC

3. How about family… Are you married? Kids?
Married, 2 kids

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
10 plus yearrs, 4 yrs with HVGA I think?

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
The time when JJ and I were like 3-4 down against Nhan and jeff at southwyck and we came back and either tied the match, it was epic. We made them remember the Titans!!!

6. I’ve heard people refer to you as “Da Man” and “Tour Van”. Can you tell the us how you got those nicknames?
Tour Van: because I constantly buy and change my golf clubs, seems like every tourny, I have a new or different club LOL!!! Da Man: well HB(Huan Bui) and Nhan gave me that title because I tend to spend money on nice stuff and I can’t stand dirty places for lunch. (hey I have standards)

7. Early this season you came out swinging and for a while I thought you would be one of the top contenders for the TX Cup Team. Since then, you’ve “gone to the mountain”. Will you be back from camping in the mountains in time to earn some Texas Cup points?
I’m still training right now, the crisp mountain air is good to clear the mind and gather your thoughts. One mountain over is HB’s but he hasn’t been home, I feel after club champ he will be there for a long time.

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
Recently, I have been hooked on fishing, before that it was playing with my race car but I sold that recently due to buying a new house(blah). I think a small bayboat is something I’m wanting to look into with a friend or two to have, damn those jettys.

9. Do you think we should do a reunion tour and take on Nhan and Jeff again?
Definitly, the Titans need to rise again. Maybe somehow take down HB at same time.

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
I have 2 things to leave you with. 1. Kick Dallas’ ass this year, be tough and aggressive. No Fear, no BS. 2. Confucius says: man who goes to sleep with itchy butt wakes up with smelly finger.

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on February 28, 2010

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
To many i am known as the JD-Law, aka the “representor”. My day job consists of going to court, jive with some folks, try to convince them of some way of thinking, play a little g(golf), hang out with my kids, then sleep with my wife. I am quite lucky.

2. Where did you go to school?
I went to Chi Hoa, Unity Point, and Ed White for elementary grades, Olle Middle School, Alief Elsik High School, the University of Texas undergrad, and STCL law school. I guess yall would not want me to list all my continuing education classes rite?

3. How about family… Are you married? Kids?
My family is everything to me. I am blessed with a wonderful wife, Mai, and two great kids, Jacob and Catalina. I think its funny when adults are always talking about what to teach kids. it is the kids that are teaching us adults, if we are wise enuff to let them.

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
I started g(golf) when I left the DA’s office bout 1999. HVGA recruited me some years later. Hard to believe that i’ve been tinkering with this game for 10 years and just recently found out how to grip the club.

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
So I was having drinks with God one night and he asked me to help him create the best hvga golfer using parts from our association. So i proceeded to give him the handbook on loi’s power, Hien’s draw, Binh’s fade, Alex’s chipping, Kheu Kheu’s putting, kraigy’s perserverance, my tempo, and so on taking the best that each member had to give. I was thinking that we may now have chance to have a vietnamese golfer win the masters. well the next day i played with god’s new creation and i was blown away, the guy was just awful after shooting a 116! I went to God and said, “WTF?” u gave me Kheu Kheu’s power, Havana’s snap hooks, Justin’s slices, Simon’s 1 plane, Mike Bui’s tempo, Truong’s shanks, Nhan’s chipping, and Tripod’s putting. God then put his arms around me and said, “but did you not love him as a brother?” I said yes. God then asked, “can hgva help him become a better golfer?” I said yes. God then asked, “Isnt that what HVGA is all about?” I humbly said yes. As I was walking away after learning my lesson, god yelled, “next time dont give so much to drink.”

6. I understand you’re also a musician. Do you sing? Play an instrument? Both?
I do luv Jazz drumming and I do have a little Marc Anthony in me. I am very envious of that Kenny G dude.

7. Where do you call your “home” course and what’s the lowest you’ve gone there?
Wildcat is where I play the most. I’ve been in the 70′s from the tips on both courses.

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
Family, g(golf), and music, that’s plenty. I luv to philosophize, does that count?

9. Do you have any political views about our new president?
Now that’s a strange question Justin. Perhaps I should defer that question to my friend Andre Hue (wer are u bru?). I certainly believe that Mr. Bo represents change but I feel its too early to see what these “changes” will be like. I like his choice in the new justice. I am just too politically ignorant to have a good answer for you.

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
Your golf like your life is your “gi”. If your gi is smoooth and effortless then play golf the same way. If your gi is fast and powerful, then so should your golf. If your gi is a crabby A-hole, then so will your golf. Just accept it and you will be happier. Dont 4get, life changes and so will your gi and hence, your golf. I am certainly not the same golfer i was when i started. Who is? I would like to think of myself as the epitome of “less is more”. I believe golf awards those who expect the least. The best songs are those with a simple melody that people remember 4ever.The best real golf tip…listen and play with better players but always believe in your own swing.

I would like to say thanks for even thinking about me to ask these questions. It’s a honor to share some thoughts with fellow HVGA members. Thanks again for letting me jive…

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on January 1, 2010

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
I work as a database administator for Fiserv Output Solution. If you have a credit card in your wallet, we probably (Fiserv) printed it. Your healthcare bill is printed by us as well as your light bill.

2. Where did you go to school?
University of Houston from 1982-1987.

3. How about family… Are you married? Kids?
The head of my family is my wife, Van. I have 4 children, 18, 17, 16, and 12. They are all great kids. They are all going to Texas A&M.

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
I started playing golf in 2000 because my boss told me either learn golf or get out. I found that I do not hit long. So the short game was the key to breaking par.

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
I broke par 3 times, 69, 67, and 69. The best one was when I turn in my score at the tournament with an index of 8.9. The PRO ask me if my 69 was a NET scrore? I told him. No, it is GROSS. And he just FLIPPED.

6. Can you think of a way we can attract more VN female golfers to join HVGA
The SUN is very hot here in TEXAS. Therefore the air conditioned MALLS attracts all the females. I do not see a way for them to participate. Across the US, we got only a handful of Vietnamese girls that play.

7. Your son recently joined HVGA and now is playing with the big boys from the back tees. Does he give you any slack because he hits it further then you?
I still beat him 90 percent of the time. And constantly tell him to, SLOW DOWN YOUR BACK SWING and play with multiple type of shots using the wedge and short irons. My son has talent but he lacks the mental game.

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
I play tennis too. I can give you a good game of tennis. I was on the varsity tennis team in high school.

9. What’s your next now that you’ve finally won a gross trophy?
It was hard winning the GROSS from B flight. I experienced tightness in my swing at 17th(#1). The result was a triple bogey. I calmed myself down at 18th(#2) and got a 50 yard saved par. The result is 79 tied with Thinh. My goal is to train HVGA in match play so that we can take down Dallas VGA this year. I am tired of loosing.

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
Just have fun with golf. Do not take it seriously. Although golf is addictive, spend more time with your family. Most of all be honest with your wife about golf. Just tell her, “Honey I do not play like Tiger”. Also, do remember that the back swing does not hit the ball, so slow it down and you can hit it better.

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on October 28, 2009

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
Besides managing IT support services, I try to come up with a reason to play golf.

2. Where did you go to school?
The melting pot university, University of Houston.

3. How about family… Are you married? Kids?
I’ve been off the market since 2007. Sorry, laddies (and some guys). No kids just yet.

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
Been hacking away on and off for about10 years now. Just really started playing regularly for the last 5 years, though. I joined HVGA in 2008, and havent looked back!

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
Not really….yeah, right. Every golfer has at least a few.  Mine is winning on Sunday during the 2008 TXCup, taking it down all the way to the 18th hole against a solid player. I’ve never felt that kind of pressure or intensity on a golf course ever before.

6. What’s going on with you’re game this season? I was expecting you to be in the top five standing before the season started.
Three words….blow up holes….My game last year was about consistency, but lacked distance. Since then, I’ve been changing equipment, swings, religion, etc. to try to acquire more distance.  Unfortunately, distance came at a price. I’m longer off the tee, but lost my consistency. The field is stronger then last year, and my scores havent been “up to par.” Bflight has never been as competitive as it is this year, so it will be tough to be in the top ten standings.

7. Where do you call your “home” course and what’s the lowest you’ve gone there?
Southwyck had been my stomping ground in the past, but Memorial Park has seen a lot of me lately. I’ve broken 80 at both.

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
Basketball and working out, but not lately. Golf is like a girlfriend who demands all your time, all the time.

9. The first time I played golf with you, I remembered seeing you pull out of your bag a bottle of Crown Royal. Do you always play with a wet bar in your bag or was that a special occasion?
I’ve always played better relaxed, and what’s better to relax you then alcohol (drugs can achieve the same effect, but that’s another story)?! Besides, alcohol can be a weapon to knock your opponents’ focus off track. Just keep that in mind when I offer you something from the mobile bar .

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
Bring pencils with erasers…LOL

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on July 9, 2009

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
I’m a clerk at a grocery store.

2. Where did you go to school?
Arizona State University

3. How about family… Are you married? Kids?
I am marred with two kids.

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
I’ve been playing golf since 1997 and I’ve been an HVGA member since it’s inception in 2003.

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
My best golf memories would be the year we swept Dallas in the Texas Cup at High Meadow Ranch.

6. I know you once held office as president of HVGA. Were you ever president for any other organization? Or even when you were in school?
I’ve belonged to many organizations but never held any high profile office position. I became the president of HVGA because at the time, I felt I could give 110% of my free time to help build a good foundation for the future of HVGA.

7. Where do you call your “home” course and what’s the lowest you’ve gone there?
I play Wildcat mostly, so I guess that would be my home course. And my lowest score at Wildcat would be 69.

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
Nope… I don’t have enough time.

9. I want to get your thoughts on the Texas Cup since you’re the captain for 2009 and 2010. Who did you select as your assistant captains? Also, what are your thoughts on the outlook for the B guys bring the cup back to Houston?
Here are a couple of my thoughts for the next couple seasons. First, we should give the Dallas B Team the respect they’ve earned. I think the most important thing our guys should work on is teamwork.

Obviously this will be an even tougher year because we have to go to Dallas. That’s why I’ve select anh Ha to help me get the B guys ready for battle.

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
Except what you can and cannot do with a golf club. The chance of you going under a tree with a low cut over water and onto an island green is probably less then 1%… so take your medicine and avoid the big numbers.

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on June 19, 2009

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
Software Engineer

2. Where did you go to school?
LSU

3. How about family… Are you married? Kids?
I have 2 neice and 1 god son that I love to spoil.

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
10 years and been with HVGA since day 1.

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
Too many stories to tell. I live for TXCUP competition and exotic caddies in Thailand.

6. What annoys you on the golf course?
Player that throw a tantrum that affect the rest of the group.

7. What’s your take on Tiger’s transgression?
He’s human and not a saint so it bound to happen. Money and fame will bombard him with massive opportunities daily. I’m impress that he can kept it a secret that long….

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
Poker

9. How can you help Nhan Tran overcome his chipping woes?
Nhanny is like my little brother. I provided him with all the techniques possible for him to have a chipping game. He does well on the range and on the practice chip shots. The next step is a sport physiatrist.

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
Play within your game and always commit and follow through on a chip/sand shot…never slow down your swing.

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on May 15, 2009

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
I work for Fullbars Cell Phone Repair. We do all type of cell phone repairs from cracked iphone screen, water damage phone, unlocking phones, LCD replacement etc. Just about anything that’s related to cell phones repairs. check out the website to get more information. www.fullbarscellrepair.com.

2. Where did you go to school?
University of Kansas “Rock Chalk Jayhawks”

3. How about family… Are you married? Kids?
I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I’m the middle child. So yes, I got neglected when I was little. LOL. I’m not married. I think I have kids somewhere out there, the ex girlfriends haven’t told me yet.

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
I have been playing since 95. You would think I would be semi good but I stink. Joined HVGA in 2006 when I moved down from Dallas. Yes, I used to be a DFWVGA member.

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
One Christmas back in Arlington awhile back. I walked on to Tierra Verde golf course and got paired up with the great ex Lakers, James Worthy. He was in town visiting his brother for the holidays. This other guy and I just looked at each other when we got on the tee box and just couldn’t believe who it was. We said to one another, Merry Xmas. LOL.

I was a little nervous because I have never been close to anyone near his stature. To spend 4 plus hours with him, that’s priceless. I keep telling myself I’m golfing with the great James Worthy. For a man that size, he can sure golf. Very smooth tempo and fluid swing. Wasn’t jerky like Charles Barkley. His short game wasn’t there due to not playing much but you can tell he could golf. I was pleasantly surprise about his personality. I was expecting this LA-Hollywood type guy but he turned out to be very down-to-earth. Probably the nicest person you could ever meet. We talked a lot of golf and basketball. The 4 plus hours went by pretty quick. What a great round golf with a very nice super star.

6. Why do you have one set of clubs for Winter and one for Summer?
Hmm, let me put my club-making hat on to answer this question. The reason I have 2 sets is due to the cold weather. The cold weather effects the ball and how we swing the clubs. In the winter we have too many layers on and we don’t swing as fast as when it’s warm. The restriction of our clothing makes it hard to swing fast. This is the reason I have a set that’s softer in flex for the winter due to my slower than normal swing. My driver is lighter and softer in flex for this reason. The irons have bigger head and softer shafts. The summer set is typical to most people. Try it out, you might be pleasantly surprised by the result of your round. If you need help in club-making, you know where to go.

7. You have any good Tiger jokes?
NOPE. I think we’ve heard them all…

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
Photography when I can find my camera again. Or maybe Nhany will loan me his that he has on Craigslist.

9. If you were at the range and two people needed your help with the golf swing, one being a female and other male, who would you help and why.
Chick all the way. Forget the dude. Why? UHHHHHH two reasons. Do I need to spell this out for you boys?

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
1. Never watch Simon and Thomas swing a club. That will jack up your game. 2. Never get a chipping lesson from Nhan.

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on March 8, 2009

Questions and photos by: Justin Nguyen

1. What’s your day job?
I am self-employed which means I am always broke. Can someone please find me a stable job so I can have some money to bet against ATM in our tournaments?

2. Where did you go to school?
Got my B.S. in Chemical Engineering at Tulane University in New Orleans. $110K worth of education down the toilet. Not even in the same field as my degree.

3. How about family… Are you married? Kids?
Been married for three years and do not have any little rug-rats running around.

4. How long have you been playing golf and how long with HVGA?
Been playing golf for 12 years now and stared with HVGA from Day 1! I was one of the founders of this club. I am one of the person to blame for all the fighting between our members and their wives.

5. Any memorable golf stories you want to tell us about?
I have two memorable golf stories. The first one was at the 1999 PGA Championship at Medinah CC with Tiger Wood and Sergio Garcia going head to head for the title. I was 10 feet away from Sergio when he hit that famous shot from behind a tree with his eyes closed and then ran and jump up the fairway to see where the ball landed. That place was going crazy!!!!!! The second golf story was when I was invited to a clinic with Tiger Woods. This was before the fall from Heaven! I was sitting 20 ft. from the man himself. For 45 minutes, Tiger did some questions and answers on the game of golf. It was really cool to pick up some of the pointers he showed.

6. What annoys you on the golf course?
I do not like the range finders on the course. We have high handicappers with range finders! How accurate are you if you are shooting in the 90′s? Distance control can’t be the only problem. Just get it in the fairway and on the green. Also why do people need to use a range finder 10-20 yards away from the green? Hmmmmm… Simon…..:) For me, its all about feel, not range finder distance.

7. What’s your take on Tiger’s transgression?
If Tiger was single I would say “Way to go Tiger”. I like that you are chasing after history – Wilt Chamberlain record of sleeping with 20,000 women. But you were married when he was going after history and that is a no-no. If you don’t love your wife and kids, then get a divorce. Now its going to cost you millions. I think you would have gotten this record from Wilt if you save those millions in this settlement and spend it on the other women. It’s sad to see that his transgression tore his family apart, but after all this passes, he can continue to go after history….but which 0ne? golf or Wilt?

8. Any other hobbies aside from golf?
Watching golf on the Golf Channel, is that consider a hobby? When I have spare time which is not much lately, I like to play or practice golf.

9. Would you consider yourself a teacher or student in golf?
I am both. I learn a lot from reading, watching videos, watching players’ swing and then I try and pick out the basic parts and teach others. I like it when a player finally realizes the correct way of doing things and the results from that.

10. Any words of wisdom or golfing tips you want to leave us with?
Practice, Practice, Practice, and Patience.

Category: 10 Questions | Posted by: juswin on October 21, 2008