USD Magazine Spring 2012

TORERO  ATHLETICS

EVEN KEELED Alex Ching likes to play it cool, both on and off the golf course [ e f f o r t l e s s ]

by Mike Sauer

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rowing up in a tropical paradise like the South Shore of Oahu, Hawaii,

Division I Men’s Golf Champion- ships in Ooltewah, Tenn., where he set course and tournament records for both individual round (he shot a 6-under-par 66), and 36-hole scoring (135). The previ- ous holder of both of those records goes by the name of Tiger. “Yeah, it’s pretty cool to be mentioned with (Tiger Woods) as a golfer, but I’ve got a long way to go to even make it to the PGA tour,” Ching says. What’s even cooler is Ching’s relaxed approach to a game that can turn saints into sinners with just one swing of the club. Those who have played with and against him marvel at his innate ability to keep his emo- tions in check come crunch time. He asserts his authority by hitting the right shot when it matters most. Folks from the islands call it “mana,” a spiritual power that, when harnessed correctly, helps a person reach their full poten- tial. Whether you buy into that bit of Polynesian mysticism or not, what’s irrefutable is Ching’s development as a player, and a person. “When I was a freshman, I was kind of a baby,” he recalls, somewhat sheepishly. “I was in a new place with new team- mates and it took a bit of time to acclimate, but I got a lot of support from the older guys on the team. They showed me the ropes and it really helped. “This year, I’m the only senior

certainly doesn’t earn Alex Ching any sympathy points from his Torero teammates. In fact, the senior captain of the USD golf squad gets the business every time he even hints at feel- ing a chill during the team’s morning practice sessions. “I get all kinds of grief for being from Hawaii, especially if I ever complain about the weather,” the amiable 21-year-old admits. After reviewing his stellar competitive résumé, you get the sneaking suspicion that the only real complaints about Ching come from his oppo- nents on the course. As the reigning West Coast Conference Player of the Year and four-year starter for the Toreros, he’s amassed some impressive indi- vidual statistics while helping propel his team to national prominence. Just this past November, he played a major role in helping the squad over- come a 13-stroke deficit to win the Kauai Collegiate Invitational for the fourth consecutive year. He’s also one of 26 golfers nationally to be listed on the 2011 Ben Hogan Award Watch List, which, for comparison purposes, is akin to being rec- ognized as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and future first-round NFL draft pick. Oh, and then there was that time back at the 2010 NCAA

on the team, and there’s defi- nitely responsibility that comes with that. I do some things that I hope will set the standard for other guys, like motivating them to stay focused, which can be hard when you’re young.”

In addition to the on- and off-course responsibilities that come with being the team’s elder statesman, Ching definite- ly enjoys keeping some of the time-honored team traditions alive — to the dismay of the

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USD MAGAZINE