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Alex Ching
Making a name for himself in the golf arena
by KAWENA CHUN
Sun Correspondent
Archived February 2008 article
Alex Ching, a 17-year-old senior at Punahou High School, has a bright future ahead of him. As a member of the Hawaii State Jr. Golf Association, Alex is starting to make quite a name for himself in the golf arena. His passion for golf first started with his father. According to Alex, “My dad started playing golf when I was really young, and he would bring me to the Hawaii Kai driving range. As he hit balls I would watch and then try for myself. I was about five or six around that time. I would stay in the stall next to him, and he would be hitting right-handed and I used to hit left-handed. Although, I switched to right-handed because the left-handed clubs were too expensive."
After graduation, Alex is heading to the University of San Diego on a golf scholarship. Alex said, “I'm excited to go to San Diego, but I'm going to miss Hawaii. I chose San Diego because of its relative weather, and the campus is 10 minutes from the beach." He plans to obtain his degree in business and continue pursuing his skill for golf so he can accomplish his dream of turning pro. “I want to go pro-golf. If it works out, then it works out, if it doesn't, I'm going to have a degree to back it up. Only one percent of golfers can go pro and actually make a good life out of it," said Alex. When asked how he deals with the stress on the golf course Alex replied, “I breathe beforehand and just think, 'I'm doing this for fun.'"
Besides having his father as an inspiration, Alex is also influenced by Parker McLachlin. “My role model is Parker McLachlin. He was born in Hawaii. I have had the opportunity to meet him and I got to take a Sport Psychology class from his dad," said Alex.
Not only is this Niu Valley native skilled in golf, he plays tennis for his Punahou High School team. “Tennis is fun. When I was younger I used to play tennis more than golf, but then I decided to focus more on golf when I was 13 years old," said Alex. His parents and sister also play tennis; they go out and practice together to maintain their close family lifestyle. Alex's parents have played a big role in his life. His Chinese-Hawaiian father taught him the value of determination and hard work, and his caring Caucasian mother showed him how to be the best you can be.
High school golf and tennis season starts in February and continues on to May. “This year I'm going to do both tennis and golf," he said. “Around this time, I get to relax. I like going with my friends to the beach." Alex is a true local boy. He is really laid back, always has a smile on his face, and of course, he loves to surf. You could probably see him going to his favorite surf spot, Toes, located outside of Kawaikui Beach Park in Aina Haina. Alex doesn't let much bring him down. According to Alex, “I try to relax through everything and just enjoy the moment."
The multi-talented Alex is also dancing in a variety show that the Punahou High School seniors put on every year. Check out his classmates and him as they entertain at the Punahou Carnival February 1st and 2nd. The show times are 2:30, 5:30, and 8:30 P.M. The theme of the show is “Sustainability" and it is similar to a Broadway musical, which includes singing, dancing, and acting. It should be a lot of fun so bring the keiki down and support Punahou and Hawaii Kai's Alex Ching.
When asked what he likes about living in Hawaii Kai, he responded with a smile, “Everybody's really nice, and Hawaii Kai is close to everything. We have nice beaches and there's something for everybody to do."
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