Sports: 'Just Amazing'

'Just Amazing'

Ty Tryon, 17, prepares for a shot at the pros. It's . . .

By BOB HARIG

Ty Tryon, 17, prepares for a shot at the pros. It's . . .

The unsuspecting golf fan might not notice anything out of the ordinary. Ty Tryon dresses like a pro golfer, hits the ball like a pro golfer, signs autographs, talks on a cell phone.

But clues suggest he is different. First, there is the homework. Tryon is, after all, still in high school.

Then there is the courtesy car. When he arrived for the Tampa Bay Classic two weeks ago, Tryon was issued a Buick, just like all the other players, although it was a good bet that dad, Bill, had the keys.

And, of course, there is the lingo.

"Awesome. It's going to be cool," Tryon said.

No doubt.

Meet Ty Tryon, age 17, junior at Dr. Phillips High in Orlando, professional golfer.

Tryon was to make his professional debut at the Tampa Bay Classic, then play in last week's Trophy Lancome in France. But the Tampa Bay Classic was canceled in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and Tryon decided not to travel to Europe.

So his professional debut is on hold. Nonetheless, Tryon soon will attempt to play pro golf as a teenager with two years of high school to go.

"It's just amazing," said Tryon, who turned pro last month after the U.S. Amateur. "I'm a little anxious, but I'm not nervous. I'm looking forward to playing."

There will be plenty of interest in his progress. Tryon is not dropping out of school to pursue his career, but he hopes to play in 15 to 20 tournaments a year, depending on his school schedule and where he qualifies to play.

Although he will not be permitted to become a member of the PGA Tour until his 18th birthday in June, Tryon will attempt to earn his playing card this fall. He must go through three stages of qualifying, the first next month at World Woods in Brooksville. If he makes it, he can accept up to seven sponsor's exemptions before he turns 18.

"I'm not (doing this) to play one tournament," Tryon said. "If I don't make a cut or don't play well, I'm not going to fret. I'm not going to be angry. I'm going to take it in stride, learn from it. This is what I want to do. This is sort of my apprenticeship. Get experience, learn, work hard and get as good as I can."

Tryon did not make his decision quickly, or without help. For some time, he has consulted with a swing coach, a sports psychologist and a fitness trainer. He started working with noted instructor David Leadbetter 10 years ago, at age 7.

And there was no doubt he was groomed to be a golfer. William Tryon IV was nicknamed "Ty" by his father after Chevy Chase's character Ty Webb in the movie CaddyShack.

A typical day for Tryon consists of going to school in the morning, then practicing every afternoon, often at the Leadbetter Learning Center at ChampionsGate outside of Orlando.

"He's been well prepared for this," Leadbetter said. "I actually think, in Ty's case, it's the right decision. I'm not saying it's the right decision for every 17-year-old. But Ty is a very mature kid. He's a 25-year-old in a 17-year-old body. The fact that he may or may not be ready emotionally, only time will tell. But personally, I think he is. I think he's got every chance of growing out here.

"That's the whole key. It's not just to see how well he can do (now). It's a process. It's a marathon, not a sprint. He's got a good team around him. I think three years down the road, when he's 20 years old, he's going to be pretty advanced compared to going to college for a year."

Leadbetter compared the situation to England's Justin Rose, who tied for fourth at the 1998 British Open at age 17 and turned pro. Rose, however, struggled, missing numerous cuts. Only this year has he had some success on the European PGA Tour.

"He missed 20 cuts in a row," Leadbetter said. "But he was a kid, he was having a ball, he was learning. It didn't affect him in the least. He just found out he had a lot of work to do. ... I tell you, if he went to college, there's no way he would be the player he is now at age 21."

Tryon turned heads when he qualified for the Honda Classic in March, made the cut and tied for 39th, becoming the youngest player to make a PGA Tour cut since Bob Panasik (15 years, 8 months) at the 1957 Canadian Open.

By shooting 67-73-70-68 for a total of 278, 10 under par, Tryon had the lowest score by an amateur since Phil Mickelson won the 1991 Tucson Open at 16 under.

Then Tryon shared the first-round lead at the B.C. Open in July and eventually tied for 37th. Two PGA Tour events, two cuts made, two pretty good experiences.

And the idea of turning pro started to make more sense.

"I've always played at level above me," Tryon said. "Even though amateur golf is really enjoyable and competitive, this is what I want to do when I get older. I have an opportunity. I don't see anything better than this. This is so much fun. It's what I want to do."