I picked up a club when I was about 18 months old. My father taught me the game. With his style of golf he maintained about a 7-14 handicap during his prime golf years. I wasn't drilled or coached intensively in this game, however, I developed a sound fundamental golf game and technique. I play golf more as a 'feel' game than as mechanics. But, I do possess the mechanics that are needed to do well in this sport. My father died in July of 2000. His golfing buddies always called him one of the "Gentlemen of Golf." I can't think of anything better to say.
I played Junior Golf in San Diego in the 60's & 70's (one of the finest golf programs in the country). I played high school golf at Kearny High School in San Diego (undefeated 1975 Western Division Champions, 13-0-1, stroke play at that time). No other year prior to or since has ever matched this record. However, my youngest brother Al reminds me that when he was on the golf team at Kearny they came close with a 9-4-0 record in 1982. I also played for Mesa College in San Diego. In high school and college, my scores were just above or below par. I tried to tailor my golf game around Jack Nicklaus' style, but with some minor changes. In fact, my Unle Tony Zolina coined the phrase, "The Pinoy Jack Nicklaus," since I was born in the Philippines. However, I think that phase now belongs to Jason Day. One of my favorite players is PGA & Champions tour professional, Fred Couples. My game has evolved similar to his and I tend to mimic his style and demeanor. Some of my other favorite tour players past and present are: Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, Jack NIcklaus, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald, Nick Faldo, Lee Westwood, Justin Leonard, Lee Trevino, Ernie Els, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Tom Watson, John Daly, Vijay Singh, Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer. Among the women players, my favorites past and present are: Nancy Lopez, Laura Baugh, Julie Inkster, Jan Stephenson, Cristie Kerr, Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa, Stacy Lewis, Morgan Pressel, Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer, Brittany Lincicome, Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie. Unfortunately I never pursued a career in competitive golf. However, my status turned professional when I won the Toyota Golf Skills Challenge in San Diego, CA in 2001 and competed in the finals in Myrtle Beach. I have been playing now for over 55 years and I am fortunate to be able to maintain low scores (68-80) on a consistent basis. Currently I play a round of golf about 1-3 times a week. I practice as much as I can. My younger brother Al Zamora played professionally and competed in some of the mini tours and also in Canada. Al is an exceptional golfer and is knowledgeable with all aspects of the golf business as well. He also is President and CEO of 'Gotta Golf' based in San Diego. The business provides quality golf apparel to golf shops and retail sports facilities. The company's flagship product is the Gotta Golf Logo on premier headwear. |
To work on my game, I worked part-time at Mt. Woodson Country Club in Ramona, California. I worked for almost six years (1994-2000) and made many friends and met some very inspirational people. Although the membership was small, I managed to get to know and play golf with most of the members. Most notably are Max & Sharron Griffin, Rick Sullivan, Rick Kline, Ted Equals, John Toolson, Tom Hinton and the "King and Queen of Norway" as we called them, Raymond and Audie Rooth. All of their support towards my golf game and golf in general has been an inspiration and I will always reflect on those times.
Mt. Woodson is a relatively short and narrow course (6200 yards from the back tees), and tends to be a target type course. This course will test your ability in all aspects of the game. The course is laid out among the rocky slopes of Mt. Woodson. There are trees, lots of brush and BIG rocks. It is a beautiful course. Additional course maintenance crews contribute to the playability of the course. The greens are medium size and are well kept. The golf professionals are knowledgeable and can help you in all facets of your game. Visit the website at Mt. Woodson Golf Club. I've also had the opportunity to work at Rockland Golf club in Rockland, Maine in the summer of 1996. Head Golf Professional Peter Hodgkins, Assistant Golf Professional Bryan Hocking, Ricky Jones, Jane Hodgkins and myself worked together to create an entertaining golf atmosphere for the more than 500 members. A par 70 with a slope rating of 120, this course offers challenging tee shots and target shot-making to small greens. A few years ago, I vacationed in Maine and Peter is now working at Northport Golf Club in Northport, Maine. Well since turning 50 in 2007, I have tried qualifying for the U.S. Sr. Open Championship several times. Unfortunately, I have come up a just a few strokes short. Additionally, if my game (mental & physical) and body hold up, I may try and qualify for the Champions Tour (Senior PGA). I don't have many years left. I have always wanted to pursue competitive golf, but ventured on an architectural and engineering career. I am a very competitive individual, not only in golf, but in other sports as well. I hope my desire, competitive spirit, and family support will guide me. If anyone desires a financial or sponsorship interest in my golf career, contact me at your convenience. |