9 QS WITH TUTTLE’S KOEN KING
The leader of the pack, 2024 senior, Koen King continues to set the pace on the leaderboard for Tuttle golf as well as maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
VYPE: What got you started playing golf? At what age?
Koen King: My uncle, David King, got me started playing golf at 13 years old. We played and practiced together 2-3 times a week until he passed away. He taught me everything I know. I’ve never had a single lesson to this day.
VYPE: You’ve played as the Tuttle Tigers #1 golfer since your freshman season, what is the strongest part of your game?
KK: Definitely it’s my short game. I save a lot of my shots by getting up and down from everywhere when I miss the green.
VYPE: How do you define leadership? What do you do to example leadership for your teammates?
KK: Leadership is doing the right thing when nobody is watching. How I like to lead is by encouraging everyone and being everyone’s biggest fan; praising them when they do good. We are a family and our top 8 is very tight knit and close.
VYPE: Golf is you against the course and the weather conditions. How do you maintain mental focus?
KK: I try to lock in and keep 100% focus throughout every shot because taking one shot off can lead to dropping 2 to 3 shots and getting you out of rhythm.
VYPE: What is your lowest round of golf? On what course?
KK: I finished at 7-under par 65 at Hidden Trails.
VYPE: How many times have you or your team qualified for state? What is your best finish (individually/team)? How many tournaments altogether have you won during high school? Top 10 finishes?
KK: Our team has qualified all 3 years. During that time I have won 6 tournaments. I don’t know how many top 10s.
VYPE: Who is your favorite golfer? Why?
KK: Definitely, Tiger Woods because of how dominant he was. He could lock in at any time and was so clutch. To me, he’s the GOAT.
VYPE: What is the best advice you’ve received about playing golf? Why? Who said it?
KK: My golf coach, Matt Layman. He said after you hit your shot you have 5 steps until you forget about the last shot you hit, good or bad, then you let it go.
VYPE: What are your plans after high school?
KK: I’m not going to college to play golf. I’m going to go to work in general contracting.
