Par for the Course- Handley's Cory Claytor
First impressions can go a long way! Let me set the scene, eighteen teams and over one hundred high school golfers are preparing for instruction for the start of the Curly Licklider Invitational held at Shenandoah Valley Golf Course. The putting green is packed with players and so is the driving range. The driving range is where you will find Cory Claytor warming up for his match in a manner unlike any of the other golfers. Cory is juggling a golf ball using an iron from his golf bag. Cory continues to juggle the ball performing tricks and then out of nowhere he hits the ball in mid -air and it flies out into the driving range. Cory calmly gathers his belongings and proceeds to leave the driving range with his mission accomplished. I asked Cory if his juggling improved his eye/hand coordination or was it just for fun. He replied, “I just do it to play around but if it is a little intimidating. That's OK too.”
Cory Claytor is a senior at Handley High School and the number one ranked player on their team. This is Cory's fourth season on the Handley Golf team and he has his sights set on a productive final season. Cory has all the tools needed to be a top golfer in the area this season. The talented senior is a physically gifted player in terms of his mechanics and strength and also demonstrates the mental toughness needed to compete in an individual sport.
Cory believes the strength of his game is his length off the tee and his positive attitude, which he uses to stay calm on the golf course. Cory believes that, “to be a good golfer you must have confidence in your ability and also demonstrate a never give up attitude.”
As a freshman, Cory Claytor was the six ranked player on the Handley Golf team and now as a senior Claytor is the number one player for the Judges. How does that happen? “Hard work and lots of practice,” exclaims Claytor. Cory describes his off season training for golf as intense and demanding. Cory works on the physical aspect of his game by playing basketball and lifting weights to allow him to be a stronger player. He also focuses on the mental aspect of golf. “When I practice I try to play a round with noise in the background so that I have to put all my attention on my approach and swing. I also visualize every shot and put myself in different scenarios so that I am prepared for every situation,” says Claytor.
Cory feels that the success he has experienced in golf can be attributed to many people. “My dad has been a major supporter of me both financially and emotionally. Uncle CW and Charles were the first people to introduce me to golf. Coach Tingle has been huge for my golf career. He took me under his wing and has taught me how to prepare for every golf situation,” states Claytor.
Cory is hoping for a great senior season and is hoping that all his hard work will pay off in terms of being a consistent golfer who can shoot a quality score. Cory Claytor is a quality individual as well as a quality golfer.
19th Hole
Best 18 hole round ever= 69 at Rock Harbor
Best 18 hole high school round= 73
Strength of your game= Length off tee
Favorite Golf Course= Rock Harbor
Favorite Player on Tour= Tiger Woods
Dream 4-some in golf= My Dad, Tiger Woods, Payne Stewart and ME
