Youth is nothing new at even the highest levels of golf. Often, we see teenagers taking on the world’s best in amateur events or professional tournaments. But there is most certainly something refreshing about a young player getting his or her first big win in impressive fashion.
This was the case for last week as Cody Blick, the Danville, Calif. 18-year-old, who outlasted the field at the
San Francisco City Championship.
Following his victory, amateurgolf.com had a chance to catch up with Cody:
amateurgolf.com: How long have you been playing golf?
Cody Blick: I started when I was 8-years old. My grandpa and my dad got me started. My brother and I made our first set of clubs with my grandpa. I played in my first tournament when I was in 6th grade --- so around 12 (years old).
AGC: You signed to play golf at San Jose State. What made you choose that school?
CB: I got offers from Santa Clara, Loyola Marymount, UOP and Saint Mary’s, but I like the big campus feel at San Jose and I really like the coach a lot. That’s what really made me make my decision about San Jose.
AGC: Do you know what you want to major in?
CB: I’m assuming business, but I’m going in undecided.
AGC: What are your goals for golf. Do you have tour aspirations?
CB: Yes, I want to play the tour, I will try, but I have to start working and playing a lot better. We’ll see.
AGC: This was your first time making the championship flight in the San Francisco City Championship.
CB: Yes, last year I made it to the semis in the Open division, this year was the first year I even tried to get into the championship flight.
AGC: So you aren’t that familiar with Harding Park Golf Course (where the SF City was held). You must be a fast learner.
CB: In the qualifier at Harding I shot 81 and then in the first round I played Nicolo Galletti it was the first time I broke 80 on that golf course. I was really not playing well, but then I shot even against Nicolo. I just started putting well and it stayed.
AGC: You did well on the greens, especially with the way a lot of the pins were tucked.
CB: Yeah, the greens were so firm, every hole you have to check to see where the pin is and go to the opposite side.
AGC: If you could win one major, what would it be?
CB: The Masters, without a doubt. It’s just more prestigious than the others.
AGC: Are you going to get a chance to go to the U.S. Open at Olympic Club?
CB: I’m trying to be a sign bearer and then I have the U.S. Open qualifier. Stage one is at Ruby Hills in May, the second stage is at Lake Merced in June.
AGC: What are your tournament plans for the summer?
CB: I will try for the U.S. Open, the U.S. Amateur, NCGA Match Play and then some AJGA events to finish it off.
AGC: Did this win give you confidence in making it through the stages of qualifying at the Open and the Amateur?
CB: I was looking back at the field, and I just feel more comfortable for college golf now, more than anything, knowing that I competed against college players and I was able to stick with them. It was really comforting.
AGC: So who is your favorite player on the PGA tour?
CB: Rory McIlroy. I love his swing, it’s all core muscles. It’s awesome and he seems like a nice kid too.
AGC: Well we wish you luck in your golf this summer and in your college golf career.