Thursday, January 23, 2014

Sophomore Golf Sensation Christian Ostberg Conquers Course…and Captaincy

by Cameron Van de Graaf

Darien High School sophomore Christian Ostberg first picked up a golf club at the tender age of three. He showed remarkable aptitude and affinity for the game, practicing regularly in his basement and backyard. As Ostberg grew older, he graduated to the course he still belongs to today: historic Apawamis Country Club in Rye, NY. Honing his swing under the head of instruction there, he won his first tournament at 11.

Last season, Ostberg burst onto the FCIAC golf scene with panache rarely seen in a freshman, garnering a 39 stroke average on the difficult Darien courses and helping to lead his team to a one loss season and top-3 finishes in the state and conference championships. Perhaps more impressively, Ostberg was elected captain by his teammates at the conclusion of the season, joining seniors Mac Koorbusch and Cameron Van de Graaf to lead the 2014 campaign.

In the offseason, Ostberg has shown dedication and sedulousness in improving his skills –the sophomore says he “likes to hit balls for about 2 hours, progressing through each club and then spend about an hour each on short game and putting.” The time invested has paid dividends; in 2012 Ostberg won the Met Junior PGA Championship and placed 2nd in the player of the year race in.  Last year, he came in tied for fourth in a nationally recognized American Junior Golf Association event.

Despite his past success, Ostberg remains focused on the task soon at hand, saying, “both myself and the entire team are really excited to get this season underway. The team hasn't won states since 1932, and we’re looking to change that this year. Something tells me we can make this year a special one.”

Ostberg putting in a 2013 competition

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