When ThoroldToday first checked in with Thorold teen, Christian Rotundo, back in 2019, he had just started playing golf but, he was already dreaming of becoming a professional player.
Now, with a golf scholarship to attend Ohio Valley University in West Virginia next year, his dream might be one step closer.
Says Rotundo, “Any college sport is always bigger in the United States. There’s multiple divisions and leagues and programs in the states compared to Canada. I definitely want to play professional, no matter what the future holds. I want to get better every day.”
Rotundo’s professional golf journey began when he was in grade nine.
“I always played when I was little (but) my backyard neighbours got me into it competitively. And I kind of evolved to tournaments and stuff like that," says Rotundo, noting his participation in the Maple Leaf Junior Tour.
Rotundo credits his coach, John White, with getting him to where he is today.
“My coach taught me everything. Before I had him, I pretty much (barely) knew how to hit the ball. From hitting the ball, to getting my swing speed up, he has been the best to get me to where I am now.”
Rotundo says he loves golf because of its calm and gentler nature.
“It’s one of those sports where you can’t really get hurt so you don’t have to worry about beating somebody to a puck. You just have to swing your swing and hit the ball. You just have to worry about yourself, you don’t have to worry about your team and all that.”
Even though an exciting future beckons Rotundo in the United States, he will not forget about Thorold, saying, “I’m excited to leave home but it’s going to be kind of sad to move on.”
While Rotundo is still on track to become a pro golfer he says it’s important to take each day as it comes.
“I don’t want to rush or pressure myself to do anything. If I tell myself every day I want to become a professional golfer, I feel like it’s going to make me play worse. I just want to go to school, get in as much golf as I can, get a good education and if I turn pro I turn pro.”
