Thursday, April 7, 2011

David Chung Video --- My Stanford Story



Jim Young, Senior Assistant Athletic Director/Communications and Media Relations




Editor's Note: "My Stanford Story" is a continuing series on GoStanford.com intended to profile select Stanford student-athletes and their extraordinary accomplishments on and off the playing fields. Video work by Bud Anderson, Director of Creative Video Services.
April 5, 2011 STANFORD, Calif. 

As a young boy growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, David Chung fondly remembers playing golf with his father, Christian, early in the morning on Masters Sunday, then hurrying home to watch the final round of the tournament he and thousands of other junior golfers his age could only dream of playing in one day.

He remembers the 1997 Masters, when a 21-year old Tiger Woods, just a few years removed from Stanford, won his first green jacket with a record-setting score of 270 (-18), earning a 12-stroke victory over Tom Kite.

In 2006, David and his father made the three and a half hour drive down the I-70 from Fayetteville to attend their first Masters together as patrons. The experience left him awestruck.
"Every blade of grass is perfect," said Chung. "You can't help not to get caught up in the history and prestige of Augusta National. It gave me chills."

Fast forward to August of 2010 when Chung, now firmly established as one of the top amateur players in the world, stood on the first tee at Chambers Bay Golf Course prior to his match against Ben Ahn in the semifinals of the United States Amateur Men's Championship. A victory not only would secure a spot in the 36-hole championship match, but would assure the winner a spot in the Masters. 




After closing out Ahn on the 18th hole to earn a 1-up victory, this one time child prodigy who was introduced to the game by riding around in a golf cart with his father at the age of four, had seen one of his golfing dreams come true. David Chung had earned a spot in the field at the Masters.

"I think I was more nervous before that match than the finals, knowing a trip to Augusta was a possibility," remembers Chung.

As one of this year's participants, David was afforded the opportunity to play Augusta National for the first time over winter break.

"It was December 27 and there was only one other group on the entire course, so I had the course all to myself," recalls Chung, who was accompanied by his father. "Driving down Magnolia Lane for the first time was a special experience I will never forget. We purposely slowed down so we could savor every minute of the drive."

Once on the course, it didn't take Chung long to realize he more than had his work cut out for him.
"I didn't realize how difficult the course is to walk because every approach shot appears to be uphill. The temperature was in the mid-40's and the course felt like it played 8,000 yards. I thought it was the longest golf course I've ever played and the greens are so demanding."

As one of this year's participants, David was afforded the opportunity to play Augusta National for the first time over winter break.

"It was December 27 and there was only one other group on the entire course, so I had the course all to myself," recalls Chung, who was accompanied by his father. "Driving down Magnolia Lane for the first time was a special experience I will never forget. We purposely slowed down so we could savor every minute of the drive."

Once on the course, it didn't take Chung long to realize he more than had his work cut out for him.
"I didn't realize how difficult the course is to walk because every approach shot appears to be uphill. The temperature was in the mid-40's and the course felt like it played 8,000 yards. I thought it was the longest golf course I've ever played and the greens are so demanding."



He managed to sneak in another practice round at Augusta on March 25 prior to Stanford's appearance in the Linger Longer Invitational, which was held in nearby Greensboro, Ga. After the tournament, he chose to travel straight to Augusta with his family to begin preparing for his first Masters in earnest.


"I am certainly glad that I was able to spend some time here before tournament week," said Chung, who is bunking in the Crow's Nest above the famed Augusta National Clubhouse, with the other amateurs who are in this year's field.
"There is no other place in the world like the National, with its mystique and history. J.J. Weaver, one of the head professionals at Augusta, said amateurs need to visit this place as often as possible before the event to get rid of some of that "awe" factor. I'm hoping my extra time here will help me concentrate on my game."


Chung, who will be paired with 1988 Masters champion Sandy Lyle and Alex Cejka of Germany in the first two rounds, thinks the ability to drive the ball well will be one of his many keys to success this week. He will also rely heavily on a longtime Augusta caddy, known as "Rowdy" to guide him around the course.


"I have to drive the ball well, no doubt about it. I'm confident with my approach shots but the key is to get in the right position, both in the fairway and on the greens, to give myself a chance."


Chung managed to play a practice round on Sunday with PGA standouts Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy, along with Oklahoma State standout and U.S. Amateur champion Peter Uihlein.


"For the first several holes, I was pretty nervous but they are all great guys and their easy going demeanors helped me to settle down. I am going to try to play with as many professionals as possible before the tournament begins on Thursday. Anthony Kim and I share the same swing coach so I will be practicing with him. I hope to play with Tiger, as well."
Chung mentioned Woods, who will be gunning for his fifth green jacket, gave him a welcome embrace on the putting green.


"That was pretty special."


When asked about his goals for the week, Chung plays it pretty close to the vest, saying nothing more than he will try to play his best.


Good enough - for hasn't that been the approach that got him to Augusta in the first place?


by Jim Young, Senior Assistant Athletic Director/Communications and Media Relations
Editor's Note: "My Stanford Story" is a continuing series on GoStanford.com intended to profile select Stanford student-athletes and their extraordinary accomplishments on and off the playing fields. Video work by Bud Anderson, Director of Creative Video Services.


23 comments:

  1. Lastly, you should know that the online therapist finder is really appropriate.
    During tough phases of life, you need someone with whom you
    can share your marital problems openly. They also require cardiac and
    physical rehabilitation.
    My webpage :: depression Disability benefits va

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi there to all, it's actually a good for me to go to see this website, it consists of precious Information.

    Also visit my blog ... San Diego group health insurance

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering
    if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
    I'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm having trouble finding one?

    Thanks a lot!

    Also visit my site :: favorite Los Angeles video production help

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.

    Look at my page; Newport Beach catering

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi everyone, it's my first pay a visit at this site, and paragraph is really fruitful designed for me, keep up posting these content.

    my site; power of video marketing

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article. I wanted to write a little comment to
    support you.

    Stop by my web-site - friendly Newport Beach chiropractor

    ReplyDelete
  7. My friends understand this subject here on "David Chung Video --- My Stanford Story".
    We are in Orange County|an OC realty.

    Have a look at my web site - real estate agent in Santa Ana shows off

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I've joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I've shared your
    web site in my social networks!

    Feel free to visit my blog: http://www.meridianhillpictures.com/member/25932

    ReplyDelete
  9. I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

    Feel free to surf to my page - San Diego video firm

    ReplyDelete
  10. constantly i used to read smaller articles that
    also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading at this place.


    Also visit my webpage - Newport Beach massage for you

    ReplyDelete
  11. We sympathize with this discussion since we are in Orange County|an OC realty.


    Feel free to visit my homepage; realtor in Orange County reveals tricks

    ReplyDelete
  12. This design is incredible! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
    almost...HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really loved what you had to say, and more
    than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

    Stop by my blog post San Diego video specialists

    ReplyDelete
  13. Very soon this site will be famous among all blogging and site-building people, due
    to it's pleasant posts

    Feel free to surf to my page; Muscle Man

    ReplyDelete
  14. Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.

    Feel free to visit my website ... phpfoxdev.indexcreativeonline.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm undoubtedly enjoying
    your blog and look forward to new posts.

    my blog post :: http://vertexmedia.com/training-video-production-5/

    ReplyDelete
  16. This design is steller! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost.
    ..HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and
    more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!


    Also visit my web site :: our video marketing

    ReplyDelete
  17. I was excited to find this great site. I need to to thank you
    for your time for this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every little
    bit of it and I have you saved to fav to look at new information in your website.
    I hope you don't mind, I bookmarked Blogger: Interviews & Articles at Pinterest so my family can see it as well. May I also reveal a tip. Finding great video marketing could possibly be highly challenging. I find it most valuable to speak to a a Probate Lawyer San Diego. Our crew of Probate Lawyer San Diego are right here to help you with all your legal needs.

    My web page :: San Diego Estate Planning Lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into
    any internet browser compatibility issues? A few of my blog visitors
    have complained about my blog not operating correctly
    in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any
    tips to help fix this problem?

    Feel free to surf to my weblog: http://www.gettingschoolready.org/author/VirgieMor

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have read so many content regarding the blogger lovers however this piece of writing is
    genuinely a nice piece of writing, keep it
    up.

    Look into my blog - Author's external home page...

    ReplyDelete
  20. We appeciate this subject here on "David Chung Video --- My Stanford Story".
    We are in OC|an OC real estate.

    Also visit my blog :: friendly realtor in Orange County explains

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures
    on this blog loading? I'm trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
    Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.



    Also visit my web-site; Glinda ()

    ReplyDelete
  22. dementia look, a look down his barbour sale outlet eyes suddenly barbour international sale Shy endless. Himself lying on the table, clothes prop chest, his chest held the piece actually barbour international sale low barbour international sale along the mouth became a creek. cheap is doing lovely shape, suddenly saw cheap rushing lying mouth saliva, a exposed in the eyes of cheap. barbour sale uk Quickly sat up straight, cheap anger and barbour international sale shame still vaguely of some joy.

    ReplyDelete
  23. asics gel lyte iii sale cheap probably asics factory outlet guessed the reason and said, come next, you say you want to go to college. I lend you money, waiting for you in the future graduated, and then also I made ​​money. asics gel lyte iii sale cheap around the front said. asics gel lyte iii sale Oh, you do not comfort me. asics gel lyte iii sale Certainly want to, but. Hesitantly, she did not want to say, do not want cheap asics to get someone else's pathetic.

    ReplyDelete