Cordes Marches Through Summer Tournments
Germantown, OH (July 22, 2004) Anthony Cordes has been out of school for a little over a month now, but he has definitely been keeping busy. Well, as busy as anyone 18-years old will permit. Cordes has been competing all summer in golf tournaments with other competitors in his age group.
"There are a bunch of tournaments that I wanted to participate in, but I was to old. Because I'm older the selection has be smaller," Cordes said.
Even with the slim selection of tournaments available to the 18 year-old golf athlete, Cordes has managed to compete in over ten events in preparation for his collegiate career at The University of Southern Florida. Most recently Cordes competed in the Eastern Indian Junior Tour, where he shot a 69.
"The competition there wasn't anything special, but it was decent. It just wasn't anything really big like some of the other tournaments," Cordes said.
Cordes was pleased with his game during the tournament, although he had a few minor errors.
"I had three birdies and an eagle during the tournament. I had a few bogies, but other than that I didn't have any other really big numbers and that was good," Cordes commented.
The tournament Cordes participated in prior to the Eastern Indian Junior Tour was the Optimist State Qualifying tournament, where he qualified for the Optimist International Tournament in Florida, by a landslide. Cordes finished seventh in a field of 160 participants.
"I finished seventh out of 150 to 160 kids. I shot a 75. They take the top 40 guys to the tournament," Cordes said.
Going into the qualifying tournament Cordes stayed calm and concentrated on just having fun.
"I was playing really well. I didn't think about it all day. What ever happens, happens," stated Cordes.
"On the back nine I missed some putts. I was only one under on the first 13 holes and then I started making bogeys. It wasn't a big deal that I didn't win, but of course I would've liked to," Cordes added.
Going into the Optimist State Tournament, Cordes has high expectations, but even higher goals.
"They have cuts after three rounds. I want to make it into the final day. I would like to win it, but right now I'm just focusing on making it into the final round," Cordes commented.
While Cordes is in Florida competing in the Optimist Tournament, July 27 through August 1, he would like to find the time to visit his new school, Southern Florida.
"I want to visit my college if I have time," stated Cordes.
Cordes has spoke with Doug Gordon, his college coach, several times over the phone, but hasn't been able to work with him because of the distance. Instead he has continued to work on his game through tournaments and with his long time coach Brad Smith, from Yankee Golf Course.
"He (Gordon) lives in Florida. I talk with him over the phone, but he hasn't been working with me. I'm looking forward to college and working with him," Cordes noted.
One of the highlights of this summer, for Cordes, was the Ohio Junior Championship down at WeatherWax Country Club in Cincinnati. Cordes tied for tenth in the Tournament, one of the biggest in the nation.
"This tournament is huge and I tied for tenth. I shot a 73-73," Cordes mentioned.
After Cordes finishes this summers tournaments he will head to Southern Florida.
