By Joshua Cubillo
Staff Writer
In a university where basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer dominate, some students may fail to realize there’s a golf team — or a standout player.
Christopher Pham, a member of the Toro golf team, is a rising star on the course.
Pham, a senior, is a communications major with an emphasis in public relations.
He hopes to build on last year’s success on the green, but is still overcoming a recent injury and is going to sit out fall semester.
Last year, Pham averaged a team low, 75.31 strokes a round. He had three top-10 finishes, leading the Toros to their second consecutive PGA Minority Collegiate Championship.
“Great ball striking, he hits it straight, and is a great putter,” said Ronald Eastman, golf head coach. “He doesn’t try to overpower a golf course, and he stays within his abilities.”
Heading into the 2016 season, Pham expected to once again lead the Toros to a success.
“His teammates know that if he plays well they can all succeed together,” Eastman said. “So he motivates them to achieve.”
Growing up, Pham was surrounded by older golfers who taught him the sport. Now, 15 years later, he is described as a leader among peers on the CSUDH team.
“He sets an example by playing well and never being completely satisfied, even with a good score,” Eastman said. “He understands that there is no perfect score in golf, so he could always save another shot.”
With his injury, Pham has been unable to play so far this season.
“My goal this year is to get healthy and hopefully be able to play by spring semester,” Pham said.
Pham remains hopeful that he will be able to play golf again for CSUDH.
“I’m most excited to play at conference this year at Industry Hills Golf Club,” Pham said.
