AJ Blankenship a Steady Performer
AJ Blankenship Berkeley Springs Golf
The sport of Golf is a very difficult game to play much less master! To be productive in golf you must be determined, have confidence, be very focused, and have a little luck. Berkeley Springs Senior AJ Blankenship has worked very hard to achieve those qualities and is hoping that with a little luck he can achieve his goals of qualifying for the State Tournament and averaging in the 70's every 18 holes he plays!
AJ is entering his fourth season on the Berkeley Springs Golf team and understands that this is his last year to compete at the high school level. As a freshman and sophomore, AJ was a starter for the Indians' Golf team. It wasn't until his junior year that Blankenship started to gain attention on the state level. Last season, AJ qualified for the state tournament by winning a five-hole playoff versus three people in the regional golf meet. The talented senior credits that playoff victory in regionals in helping him gain confidence for this upcoming season.
Playing golf at the competitive level is very difficult and can be very lonely at times. In team sports you can receive help or have another teammate bail you out of a jam. In an individual sport like golf, you only have yourself to either succeed or fail. That is why it is important to have a good support system around you to help build confidence and give you advice. AJ attributes both his father and Coach McCumbee for helping him become the player he is today. “My dad introduced me to golf and he really has helped me to understand the mental part of the game; Coach McCumbee has really pushed me to focus on my short game which has improved,” says Blankenship.
Blankenship has taken his off-season practices very serious this summer in hopes of making that State tournament run. “I practiced some aspect of golf everyday, whether that is playing 18 holes or chipping golf balls in my backyard into hula hoops,” quotes Blankenship. AJ also trains with his father whom he says will beat him on occasion due to his strong mental approach to golf.
Regardless of this season's outcome, expect AJ Blankenship to continue to be a great golfer and a quality person. Gameday Magazine wishes AJ the best of luck in his quest for the state title in 2006!
Quick Hits
Best 18 hole round ever = 72 at Down River in Everett, PA
Best 18 hole high school round = 80
Age when you first recorded par = 9 years old
Strength of your game= Iron game
Favorite Golf Course = Locust Hill
Favorite Player on Tour = Tiger Woods
