Hagestad roaring toward future

At 7 years old, Stewart Hagestad experienced a moment that would influence him forever. He saw an up-and-coming high school golfer playing twilight rounds on his home course at Big Canyon Country Club. The amateur was an emerging phenom named Tiger Woods.

All Hagestad knew about Woods was that he was an honorary member of the club and that he was headed to Stanford. But it was the image of Woods that peaked Hagestad’s youthful intrigue.

Hagestad watched the persistent Woods play the worst of two tee-shots at sunset by himself, giving the 7-year-old something to remember. And it was that moment that ultimately inspired Hagestad to take golf seriously.

Hagestad grew up on the eighth hole of Big Canyon and started playing golf at around age 5. His early introduction into golf is not that uncommon among many kids that grow up around the sport. However, his story becomes unique after his first year of high school when his life transformed, headed for a career in golf.

After one year at Sage Hill School, Hagestad and his family decided to try a different type of schooling on the East Coast, more geared toward golf. He enrolled in the International Junior Golf Academy and the decision produced remarkable results.

“The first year I was there, I got a lot better very quickly,” said Hagestad, who is 18. “Before, if I was playing really well I would shoot even or one over. The next thing I know, I go out there and start shooting four or five rounds in a row at even or better. It was like, whoa, where did this come from?”

However, the question for Hagestad now is not where did this come from? But rather, where is it about to go?

The potential for Hagestad seems endless. He only has one semester left at IJGA and has already verbally committed to USC. He is among the top players on the international junior golf scene and has the chance to set himself apart from the pack beginning Thursday.

Hagestad will be playing in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships at the PGA National course in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The tournament will be on the Champions course, which holds some memories for Hagestad.

Last year, he finished tied for second after he rallied on the back stretch after entering the final round in fourth. The international tournament is a four-day competition that can tax the endurance and concentration of pro golfers, let alone amateurs.

That is why Hagestad has been getting help from the likes of Jim Flick, the world-renowned golf coach, who has worked with Jack Nicklaus among others. Going into last year’s Optimist International, Hagestad believed he needed a little help with his swing before heading to Florida and called Flick. The two have since been working together.

“I love his competitive spirit,” Flick said of Hagestad. “He is really willing to work hard and is open to changing his swing. It is his work ethic that is really truly tremendous.”

Hagestad’s work ethic can be tracked back to that initial moment of golfing allure when he saw Woods playing in his back yard.

After Woods sparked his enthusiasm for golf, Hagestad has been heavily influenced by the work ethic and competitive nature of Woods and has applied those facets to his game.

However, he knows the one aspect that will separate a golfer is the ability to overcome the mental challenge of winning a high-profile tournament like the Optimist International.

“Quite frankly, I don’t look at [other players],” Hagestad said of the upcoming competition. “I just go play. It is your game, no one else’s.”

Hagestad plans to use his poise and understanding of how the game of golf works. That could carry his game as far as he wants it to go.

“I’ve learned that results are just results,” Hagestad said. “But if you put every bit of work in to get those results, things are going to work themselves out.

“You get out of it what you put in.”

MARK RATTO may be reached at (714) 966-4616.