Nov. 2, 2009
ODU senior golfer Eric Onesi took time out of his schedule to chat with odusports.com for this week's Monarch Q&A. Coming off a win of the 2009 ODU Seascape Invitational and being named CAA Co-Golfer of the Week, Onesi is looking to earn a return trip to the NCAA Regional in the spring.
How did you first get involved in golf?
I used to play basketball and baseball, but I was diagnosed with a blood disorder when I was younger and had to stop playing contact sports. That is when I picked up golf.
When did you get your first set of golf clubs?
When I was 13 years old
Do you play better on the front 9 or the back 9?
The back 9. I struggle getting off to a good start with the first few holes.
How many golf polo shirts do you own?
Over 60!
You finished second last year at the CAA Championships -- what did you do to prepare for that finish and how do you plan to rank this year?
I did the same thing as I do for almost every tournament; I did a lot of practicing and took notes on the course during the practice rounds.
Do you have caddies or do you have to carry your own bag?
We have to carry our own bags. No caddies in college.
How much of the game is mental and how much is strategy and knowing angles?
Golf is 95% mental. A lot of people can hit the ball the same way, but it is all about how you approach each shot.
What is your personal best score?
I've shot 64 a couple of times
What size shoe do you wear?
12
Is your goal to earn your tour card and become a PGA player?
Absolutely! It's my number one goal. I plan to turn pro after I graduate, hopefully within the next 5-6 years.
Who is your favorite PGA golfer and why?
Tiger Woods. He has a whole different persona about him and mentality towards the game.
What is your favorite golf memory?
Winning my first tournament when I was 15 years old. I was two shots down after the first round and came back to win at the Delaware State Junior Amateur.
Out of all the courses you have played on, which as been your favorite?
TPC Sawgrass. I birdied the famous island 17th.
Golf is a quiet game, what do you do to stay focused while on the course?
I just never get down on myself. I remind myself that I have the ability to get back up. Sometimes, I just have the last song I listened to on my iPod while headed to the tournament stuck in my head.
Rapid Fire:
Birthplace: Newark, Delaware
Favorite Food: Steak - medium
Favorite Club: 3 Iron
Left or Right-handed: Lefty
Number of golf balls that have landed in the water: Haha...I don't know? 100?
Would you rather have a hole-in-one or break the course record? Hole-in-one.
Favorite sweet treat: Sour Patch Kids - Watermelon flavor
What three people would complete your dream foursome? Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? Superman; because he can do anything!