Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week: Nick Sherman

Barry Faulkner

Maybe it figures that a 5-foot-10, 160-pound high school golfer who

regularly surpasses 300 yards off the tee, could be so focused on the

long term.

Corona del Mar High junior Nick Sherman, though already among the best

of his prep peers, said he had his future in mind when he decided, not

too long ago, to overhaul his swing.

The impetus began with ridicule from rivals and teammates alike, as

well as advice from those whose experience in the game he respects. And

while the timing -- basically starting from scratch some time during the

recently completed high school season -- may not have been ideal, the

results have left little room for quibbling. And, more importantly, the

changes in his game have helped unlock the door to what he hopes could be

a career on the course.

“I care about golf and I want to make a career of it,” said Sherman,

who shot par 72 at the Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club May 16 to finish

third in the CIF South Coast Division individual championships. “I’ve

played golf for four and a half years and for the last two and a half

years, I’ve played every day. It has become addictive.”

Natural talent and an imaginative knack for shot making helped Sherman

regularly challenge par. But, with little instruction in the

fundamentals, his technique also drew derisive comments that became too

difficult to ignore.

“I just didn’t like being mocked,” said Sherman, whom CdM Coach Mike

Starkweather said finished the season with the low scoring average

(between 37 and 38 over nine holes, Starkweather estimated) to help lead

the Sea Kings to an unbeaten Pacific Coast League title. “Some friends

who play, couldn’t believe how bad my swing was, and that I could do so

well with that swing. They also kidded me about my putting stroke. I went

to a camp and they said I wasn’t doing things right. They said I’d have

to change if I wanted to be more consistent.”

The Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week heeded the advice and sought the

teaching expertise of Alan Ochai at his home course, Oak Creek Golf Club.

And while Sherman estimates the complete transition could extend well

into his collegiate career, he said he has already seen signs that

justify his willingness to change.

Two months ago, I had never broken 70,” he said. “But now, I’ve shot a

65 (at the Costa Mesa Golf & Country Club’s Mesa Linda course), a 69 (at

Aliso Viejo Golf Club) and a 70. It’s still difficult, but I’d rather

shoot 78 for the next year and be able to shoot 68 or 69 in my prime.”

Sherman’s commitment to the game extends beyond philosophy,

Starkweather said.

“I think the key to his success is practice,” Starkweather said. “Nick

is the first guy after a match to want to play more. If he believes

something isn’t right, he’ll head to the driving range or go practice

chipping and putting. He might even go out and try to get a few more

holes in.”

Currently focusing hard on his short game, Sherman is also making

plans to seek more top competition in summer junior tournaments.

“I want to go from local to national and try to make a name for

myself,” he said.

Making adjustments on the course has always been a strength of his

game and, even with his new techniques, he isn’t afraid to try a

different approach.

“Most people see a tree in their way 200 yards out and they’ll punch

out, where I can hook a 5-wood onto the green,” he said. “I’ve always had

good visualization and been able to hit the ball high, low, a hook or a

fade. I could probably go out there with a baseball bat and still shoot

par.”