Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week: Daniel Kush, A green monster

Tony Altobelli

As any golf hacker knows, “You drive for show, but you chip and

putt for dough.”

The same law also holds true in high school and for Newport Harbor High

sophomore Daniel Kush, it’s that phase of the game which helps him cash

in on the opposition.

“That’s definitely what I work the most on,” Kush said. “I think that’s

my biggest strength out there.”

With “Tiger mania” sweeping the world and everyone trying to rip the ball

300-plus yards, Kush’s biggest advantage comes when the ball is on the

green.

“When I’m putting, I really focus on two things,” Kush said. “First, I

focus on the speed. With the right speed, you’re almost always going to

be near the hole. Then, I try to read the break and find the right line.”

So far, the reads have been very true for Kush. Last week, he shot an

average nine-hole score of 35, leading the Tars to a Sea View League win

over Woodbridge, a nonleague win over El Dorado and two nine-hole leads

over Huntington Beach and Tustin. For his efforts, he is the Daily Pilot

Athlete of the Week.

Just like in anything, Kush’s success on the golf course comes from

practice, practice, practice.

“On average, I practice a couple hours a day,” Kush said, describing his

golf routine. “Mostly on my short game, but with all phases as well.”

With a 260-yard drive and an array of shots, Kush still sees some work to

be done. “I really need to work on my long irons,” he said. “From the

four-iron and up. I hit those thin and to the right. It’s something I

constantly have to work on. I really try to focus on my club path and

swing trajectories to make sure they all stay smooth and consistent.”

Kush only started playing with his father when he was in the eighth

grade, but has quickly advanced past his dad, who scores in the 80s and

90s.

“My Dad and I would go out to the driving range all the time and I really

enjoyed it,” Kush said. “I’ve been hooked ever since.”

Kush also works at Big Canyon Country Club, which has one glaring

advantage.

“It’s great because I am allowed to play there, when I’m not working,”

Kush said.

Does Kush see himself playing beyond the high school level?

“That’s my goal right now,” Kush said. “Keep playing better and better

and hopefully land a golf scholarship somewhere.”

Is the PGA in Kush’s future?

“Obviously, I would love to do be able to play professionally,” he said.

“It’s just a long shot dream right now. I’ve got to keep working hard and

stay away from any injuries that might pop up. If I can stay healthy,

anything’s possible, I guess.”

In a game that involves silence, what better hobby for Kush to have than

car audio.

“I saved up like 10 paychecks to get the sound system I have in my car,”

Kush said proudly. “I even have a TV in there as well.”

Probably tuned into the Golf Channel.