James Koon, Men's Golf Bexley, Ohio
Senior, Business Leadership and management
I WILL never give up in the classroom or in the golf course
I WILL go to graduate school
I WILL never quite playing golf
Capital men's golfer James Koon is a hometown guy, having grown up in Bexley and attending nearby Bexley High School. Sports information assistant Bryan DeArdo talked with Koon about his experiences thus far at Capital, who would win in a dream matchup between Jack Nicholas and Tiger Woods, and his goals for the tennis team this season.
BD: What are the advantages to going to a university in your hometown?
JK: Being able to work with my Dad, who works in commercial real estate. That has been a big help for me since I'm taking real estate classes. It's also been nice to be able to take some classes at Ohio State with it being so close by.
BD: Aside from its location, what else attracted you to Capital?
JK: The golf coach freshmen year was the big reason. His name was Greg Kline. He got a bunch of us to come to Capital. He was an extremely relaxed coach who let us be ourselves who made gold fun. I didn't want to play college golf, but I came to Capital knowing I could contribute right away. My Mom went to Capital as well. The education and the one-on-one attention was another big factor.
BD: What is the best thing to do in Bexley on a Friday night?
JK: The Old Bag of Nails is always a good time. There are a lot of good options for things to do on Main Street.
BD: How has the tennis program evolved during your time on the team?
JK: The guys on the team are a lot of fun. We have the most fun by far when looking at other teams we compete with. I always just try to remember that this is sports, which is supposed to be fun.
BD: Earlier this summer, Tom Watson nearly became the oldest golfer to ever win a major when he finished second the British Open at age 59. What do you think you will be doing at that age? Playing golf?
JK: Hopefully I'll be in the middle of my early retirement (laughs). I'll hopefully be golfing somewhere in the south. I'd like to have land on the beach one day, and golf on some great courses in the south.
BD: Who is your favorite professional golfer?
JK: Tiger (Woods). He's probably one of the best athletes alive. Some of the things he does really amaze me. His mental game is unbelievable. He could do really well at any sport just because he's such a good athlete. I know he missed the cut at the British Open, but that's only the second time that's happened in his career (in a major). There are other good golfers out there, and people need to remember that.
BD: Who is you favorite golfer other than Tiger?
JK: I'm kind of a Tom Lehman fan, who is about 50 now. Sergio (Garcia) is always fun to watch because he always creates a scene.
BD: Which major tournament is the most challenging?
JK: The U.S. Open, definitely. It's by far the hardest major based on its conditions. The roughs are as long as they can get there.
BD: Do you like the new plaid golf pants look? And can we expect to see you sporting the look this upcoming season?
JK: I like the look if the players can pull it off. That look is from the Jay Lindenberg clothing line, which is extremely expensive golf wear. Most of the Europeans can pull it off, because it's their style. I don't know if it works for a guy like Jim Furyk. Rickey Barnes has that old school hat I wasn't feeling. I'm more of a polo guy than a European-style guy.
BD: Can John Daly pull off the European-style plaid pants look?
JK: I'd say no on that one, unless he shed a couple pounds (laughs).
BD: How did you get started in golf?
JK: I started playing when I was eight. My dad plays when he has time, and we would go to the Columbus Country Club. They have a little nine-hole par three course, and me and my other siblings would go out and play. They didn't like it, but it clicked with me.
BD: What part of the sport appeals to you the most?
JK: The thing I love about golf is the constant change in sceneries. There are different kinds of courses, and you get to travel and see new things. It's also to be a good golfer in the business field. A lot of my friends who don't play golf have been asking me how to get into it now. It's a relaxing enjoyable thing to do.
BD: What is your biggest strength as a golfer?
JK: I have a solid strike when I hit the ball. I've always hit the ball well, despite the fact that I'm not a big guy. My short game is probably something I can improve on.
BD: What are your plans upon graduation?
JK: Going to grad school, maybe at Ohio State or Georgia or Florida. They have strong real estate programs.
BD: With summer quickly wrapping up, what are you looking forward to the most about school beginning again?
JK: Not having to work full time again (laughs). The golf side will be fun, having six freshmen coming in. I'm just looking forward to the change of pace in my daily routine.