VYPE: Connor, what grade are you in, and what age did you start playing golf?
Connor Burton: I’m a senior in high school and I started playing golf my freshman year of high school.
VYPE: What is your favorite club to hit and favorite place to play?
CB: My favorite club to hit is 5-wood because it’s a reliable club that I can control well and my favorite place to play is The Patriot Golf Club.
VYPE: What is the strength of your skill set and what did you improved on for the most?
CB: I would say my strength is ball striking but specifically with irons. I would say I’ve improved the most with my distance because I have always been a short hitter and I’m getting longer and longer with the more work I put in.
VYPE: What makes CHS a great place for you as a student-athlete?
CB: I feel like it’s a good environment for me to grow academically and athletically with the people that support and surround me.
VYPE: Do you belong to any other clubs or groups at school?
CB: I’m in National Honor Society and I’m involved in Young Life.
VYPE: What does the support from your parents, coaches and fans mean to you?
CB: It means a lot to me. My parents push me to get better every day and sometimes it can be frustrating and stressful, but they are there supporting me no matter what. Coach Gregg is always there to help me out when I’m struggling with something, and he is always giving me pointers during a round on staying mentally focused which is very helpful for me. And lastly my teammates are always there to make me a better player but also a better person. They are always pushing me to be better and that’s something that everyone needs.
VYPE: How do you mentally prepare yourself for competition?
CB: I make sure to pray before every tournament because I believe that God is in control. Other than that, I just get to the course about an hour early and I stretch before hitting so I am loose. Then I hit for about 20 minutes and just hit a few balls until the swing feels good and I spend the rest of my time on the putting and chipping green.
VYPE: What do you love most about your teammates?
CB: My teammates are always wanting to push each other to the limit and compete with each other no matter what we are doing.
VYPE: Are you a member of a tribe and if so, what does their support mean to you?
CB: I’m part of the Cherokee Tribe and it means a lot that they support me.
VYPE: What’s the goal for life after high school?
CB: I am going to play Division 2 golf at Fort Lewis and I’m hoping to have a successful collegiate career there. I’m also getting a bachelor’s degree in business.
VYPE: Who inspires you on or off the course?
CB: My dad is my biggest inspiration he’s the Godliest person I know and he’s a great mentor for making me a better person as well as helping me in my faith. He is also a great role model to me.
VYPE: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
CB: My main accomplishment is that I am committed to go play Division 2 golf at Fort Lewis College. I am also very pleased with the fact that I am going to play golf at this level being blind in my left eye and starting later than many golfers.
