Senior Spotlight: Meet Troy

I would like to introduce you to Troy Tharitimanont. I started coaching Troy back when I was affiliated with the Junior Golf Foundation of America, Inc. which previously ran the junior programming at Okeeheelee Golf Course. Troy has volunteered in my junior golf classes in the past and is a Senior at Suncoast Community High School.  His golf journey is different than most because he has not nor does he have any plans to play competitively.  

How did you get started in golf?

My parents pushed me to try golf. When I first went out on the golf course with my Dad, I realized I could not hit the ball straight and I was hitting it way past the target. I became motivated to improve my game and was open to lessons. 

My challenge is that I’m an aggressive golfer, I just try to hit the ball, but I have learned to hit the ball farther by working on control. It's a personal battle and a constant journey of improvement.  ​

You are graduating high school this year but never played competitive golf, why?

Golf is for me.  It is something I do for personal fulfillment and improvement.  I have enough comparative opportunities in school for academics, dance, piano and other activities.  When I am taking lessons with Coach Glen, practicing or playing I am just thinking about how I can improve from the last time. It’s a mindset that I apply in my life overall.  

How did you meet Coach Glen?

I met Coach Glen in a golf summer camp.  He was different from the other coaches.  His personality really connected with me.  Initially, he seems strict and serious but if you spend more time with him you will discover that he is very caring and he really wants you to grow. Coach Glen is also very sarcastic.  He jokes a lot which makes the lesson time more fun.  I appreciate that.

That’s why I initiated the search for Coach Glen when Okeeheelee changed their program.  I missed the progress I was making.  I made a connection with him and I loved his teaching style.

It sounds like you are very focused on improvement, when did that start?

At a young age, I was not thinking about self-fulfillment.  My parents gave me opportunities to try things that I thought would be fun.  Fun turned into a desire to get better, so I put in the effort and the reward was feeling fulfilled.  By the time I was 10, I was performing in ballet, tap and jazz.  Performing developed into a love of theater then I started singing and acting.  I have a lot of memories.  Two of my favorite shows were “The Addams Family”  and “Beauty and the Beast" where I played Lumiere and sang “Be our Guest.”

It seems like you have two personalities, one that pursues theater and one that pursues golf. Is that accurate?

Not at all.  Both require the same kind of discipline to improve. Growth in all of my activities is not linear. I have had to persevere through many ups and downs.  Some of those downs leave scars and it takes time to push through but when I do, I grow. 

Most of my downs have to do with the pressure that I place on myself to be somewhat perfect and sometimes I take on too much responsibility.  For instance, I am on the Yearbook Committee and I have been very active in school government, serving as the School Vice President.  Balance is very difficult so my sleep has suffered at times because time management is a struggle for me. 

Fortunately, I have kept my academics a priority and currently have a 4.7 Honors Point Average.  Through it all, I have learned to be more self aware of how I feel so I can adjust my priorities and even take breaks from some activities. Going to the gym also helps me take care of my physical health and strength. 

What’s next after high school?

College. I have always enjoyed math and science.  Attending an Ivy League school has been a goal since my childhood because of the prestige. I also believe they offer a supportive environment.  Over the last two summers, I have experienced it first hand by participating in summer programs at Brown and Harvard. 

When I was younger I dreamed of making robots to help my family but now I want to leave an impact on the world. I believe there is room to use artificial intelligence to help kids learn at a quicker pace. As a tutor at Mathnasium, I see more and more kids are struggling in math, it is a real problem and I would like to help provide the solution.  

I will keep practicing golf too. 

What encouragement do you have for younger golfers?
Never be too sure about your plan.  Be willing to adapt and make another plan as needed.  Harvard is my dream but if I don’t get accepted I know I will grow in whatever school environment I attend like Rice, UCLA or USC.