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News Date: 01/24/2010
News Title: Youth Excellence in Sports Athlete of the Year: David Oraee

Terrific tournament defines dominance
Youth Excellence in Sports Athlete of the Year: David Oraee
By Al Daniel
The Denver Post

No matter what happens from here on out in the life of David Oraee, he'll always have the summer of 2009. And he'll probably always have a special place in his heart for Aspen.

It was then and there that the Greeley West High School student etched his name in the American Junior Golf Association record book, accomplishing something that notable AJGA alumni Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III and a certain Tiger never could.

After posting rounds of 66, 64 and 70 at Aspen Golf Club from June 9-11, Oraee had left the Junior all-star field in his dust, winning by 18 strokes to establish an AJGA record for margin of victory. The 16-under-par 200 total over the 6,706-yard layout also set a tournament record, while the 8-under 64 was a single-round tournament — and personal — best.

Not even in a weekend hacker's wildest dreams does it get any better than that.

But, for Oraee, it does.

His dominating performance has been selected by The Denver Post sports staff as the overall winner of the Youth Excellence in Sports contest for 2009.

"It means all my hard work is paying off," said Oraee, who hits the books as an honor-roll student as hard as he hits his driver. "I'm just going to keep working hard. I just feel honored to get this (award) because I know there's so many great athletes out there."

For his selection, The Denver Post Class 4A golf first-team member will receive:

• A $100 U.S. Series I savings bond;

• Four tickets to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame 2010 induction banquet April 20;

• Four tickets to a Rockies game at Coors Field, where his image will be displayed on the scoreboard;

• And a $100 food voucher from Aramark.

YES!

 


Lob Shot Practice

Stand your bag up between you and the chipping green. With your sand or lob wedge stand approximately 6 ft. behind your bag. You may have to adjust the distance. Practice hitting short lob shots directly over your bag. Shots can be anywhere from 5-20 yards from the hole. This will quickly give you the feel of how quickly you can elevate the ball when you have a shot that requires this.

Place the ball forward in your stance, club face, shoulders and feet slightly open, it does not have to be severe; the club will do the work. For the ball to go higher in the air the club must strike the ball on a descending blow coming down at a steeper angle than a normal pitch. In order for this to happen a wrist hinge must take place on the backswing. An easy thought is to have the butt end of the club pointing to the ground and the club head high at a half-swing position. Hands low club head high.

Most importantly keep your shoulders, arms and hands relaxed. The club should feel soft in your hands.

Practice this and it will give you the confidence to execute it on the course

Elena King, LPGA
Director of Instruction
CommonGround Learning Center