The San Jose Mercury News: Thursday, September 3, 2009
By Eric Pinkela
Mitty's Rankin taking new approach to First Tee Open
When Ryan Rankin was picked to play in the Walmart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach last year, the San Jose teen was blown away by the atmosphere, the competition and the attention from the Champions Tour professionals.
So missing the cut was not that big of a deal. But now that he has a second shot at the First Tee Open, Rankin's approach is different.
"Last year I was content playing in the tournament," said Rankin, a senior at Archbishop Mitty. "Definitely one of my goals this year is to make it to Sunday."
Rankin will tee off Friday with pro Jerry Pate in the first round of the First Tee Open as he attempts to add another notch to his competitive belt.
Last season, Rankin led his Mitty golf team to the first West Catholic Athletic League championship in school history, claiming the individual crown along the way. He has been hitting golf balls since he was 5 and playing tournaments since he was 11.
But Rankin is not only about golf.
He's also a 4.0 student who has excelled as part of the First Tee of San Jose program, which teaches life skills in addition to golf skills. He needed all of those to get through the First Tee selection process last month in Arkansas.
Golfers are interviewed, tested and then sent to the golf course before the lucky few are chosen to play at Pebble Beach. Spoken like a true golfer, Rankin said the interview was the toughest part.
But he passed through the crucible and finds himself with the chance to make another one of his dreams — shoot, one of any golfer's dreams — come true: making the cut at Pebble Beach.
Posted: 09/02/2009 07:17:07 PM PDT
Updated: 09/02/2009 09:38:46 PM PDT
For original article please go to:
http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_13256863
