Saying it’s been a busy summer for Eugene Hong is putting it lightly.
The Circle Christian senior has played in six tournaments all across the country in a short span of about two months. He’s up against some of the best golfers in the world, but he continues to perform at a high level.
“He’s got a good swing,” said Circle Christian head coach Scott Richardson. “He’s got a good short game, but it’s that inner desire that he wants that ball in the hole and even though he comes across very introverted, deep down he wants to win.”
And that’s exactly what he’s done, the golfer nicknamed The Machine was named the USA Today national high school golfer of the year in June.
“That was really surprising because I didn’t know how big the award was and I didn’t expect to win the award,” said Hong.
There’s no surprises when it comes to Eugene’s talent level, he’s the 56th ranked amateur in the entire world. He’ll play for the US Team in the Junior President’s Cup in September and on Monday tee off in the US Amateur. The University of Florida commit is setting attainable goals for the big stage.
“Just to play the best that I can and hopefully make match play, and then see what happens if I can make match play,” said Hong.
Despite the taxing amateur schedule Eugene remains committed to Circle Christian golf and wants to go out with a team and individual title this school year.
“This year we could win as a team,” Hong added. “That would be really cool, in my final year as a senior, that would be my biggest dream.”