This week I got a chance to sit down with Joey Maziar '14 of the men's golf team to discuss golf, nicknames and grass in the Northeast.
When did you first start playing golf?
JM: I played baseball for most of my childhood, but I was fairly short and weak compared to the other kids, so the bigger kids improved and I didn't. In seventh grade, I tried out for the high school golf team and barely made it. In eighth grade I had to decide between baseball and golf and picked golf. After I made that decision, I started playing a lot and improved over my high school years. I was pretty unathletic back in the day, but I think I've grown out of that. I always had coordination, but it took some time for me to develop, and I think that's why my golf game flourished in high school.
I hear you've been compared to a young Tiger Woods. Why do you think that is?
JM: My best friend from home calls me "Tiger." One time he had to write a short story for his English class. Him and I used to play poker in 10th grade, for fake money of course. He wrote his short story about us playing poker and used fake names and called me "Tiger" and him "Bullet." Our other friend Henry was in the story and he called him "Henry." He's called me Tiger ever since. I guess that's why one person calls me Tiger, but I wouldn't say too many people make that comparison.
What made you decide to come to Dartmouth from the South?
JM: I always wanted to go to a good school, so Dartmouth was always on my radar. Schools in the South are extremely good at golf, and I wasn't good enough to be recruited there. Dartmouth was a little closer to my level of golf, so I visited here and liked the school and coach, so I decided Dartmouth was the place for me.
What are the challenges of playing in the Northeast?
JM: The courses in the South are a little different than up here. The grass in the Northeast is really soft compared to the South, and the dirt is much softer. I'd also say that the courses up here are tighter with a few more trees. I didn't play that well freshman year, and although most of that was my fault, I think it did take a little time for me to adjust to a new place. I think I'm used to it now, though, and am playing at a good level.
How do you train in the offseason?
JM:The offseason here is obviously pretty tough because of the cold and the snow. Luckily, we have a pretty good place to practice inside in Leverone [Field House], where we can putt and hit into nets. The offseason is also a great time to lift and I've been working out a lot. We've got a lot of freedom with how hard we want to work in the offseason, and I've been putting in the effort to improve and have a great spring season.
Who's your favorite teammate and why?
JM: I love watching Peter [Williamson '12]. He's one of the best golfers I've ever played with and can make some of the most difficult shots look effortless. It's an amazing thing to watch, and I think just playing around him elevates my game. He and my coach are probably the best players I've ever played with. As a person, I wouldn't say I have a favorite teammate. We have a great group of guys and all enjoy being around each other and making each other better.
Some people say golf isn't a "real sport." What do you have to say to those people?
JM: I'd say go out and try and put a ball in a hole in four strokes when the hole is only a little bigger than the ball and it's 400 yards away. But seriously, look at the young players on [the PGA] Tour. They're all strong, athletic guys and have a focus that is unparalleled in other sports.
What are you doing to celebrate the Super Bowl?
JM: Having a good time with my bros. I'm rooting for the Pats. I can't bet against Tom Brady. He's awesome.
