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Golfer succeeds in summer

Gaither's Matt Cooney isn't resting between golf seasons. He's piling on the accolades - and working on his skills.

By TERRY JONES
Published July 21, 2006

CARROLLWOOD - Matt Cooney has had a busy summer on the links.

The Gaither High School senior's successful play during the past 12 months was recognized by the Florida Junior Golf Association, whose officials selected him as the Florida Junior Tour Player of the Year.

He entered the Florida Boys State Championship Tournament earlier this month in Tallahassee as the No. 2 ranked junior player in the state. Now he's No. 1.

He struggled the first two days of the tournament with scores of 72 and 75, entering the third day in 22nd place with a 36-hole score of 147.

"It was just hole No. 6 that seemed to have me choked," Cooney said. "It wasn't pretty. I was able to get it together on the third and bring my score back into something reasonable."

On the third day, Cooney conquered hole No. 6 and the course for a score of 65, the lowest 18-hole score in the tournament. That gave him an overall 312, shooting him up from 22nd place to fourth place in the overall final scores.

He also entered the Tallahassee tournament ranked No. 59 among junior golfers nationally by Golf Week. His latest tournament results should increase his rankings.

Cooney will start his senior year at Gaither next month with high goals.

"I would like to be selected Player of the Year by the Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association and turn in my most successful high school season," Cooney said. "Our team lost six seniors last year and we are rebuilding, so it is doubtful I will make it to state with my team."

He said he thought he may have an opportunity to qualify as an individual, but that would take his best effort in district and regional tournaments in the fall.

Last year in the regional tournament he finished in a first-place tie with two other players and missed a state berth by one stroke.

"It was tough to get so close and not make it last season, but it is something I will try to change this year," he said.

Cooney has been playing golf since he was 3. For the past three generations, his family has been heavily involved in the sport. His great-grandfather was a professional in Georgia.

He is 5 feet 8 but has a strong drive that averages about 300 yards. When he started at age 3, his parents bought a set of clubs and had them cut down so he could swing them. "They had to be cut down pretty short," he said.

With his personal practice and private lessons, Cooney spends about four to five hours a day at least five days a week training and working on different aspects of his game. He also competes several weekends each month.

"The area I have been working on most has been my chipping," he said. "Before my first high school match I plan to work a lot on my wedge. My putting is great right now. I would say my putting has been the best part of my game lately."

Since age 12, Cooney has had a dream to play in college. That dream is still vivid.

"I have a very strong desire to play college golf, but I haven't made a decision as to where I will play yet."

[Last modified July 20, 2006, 13:26:10]