VISAA medalist and Norfolk Collegiate sophomore, Flynn O’Boyle, on his golf career
NORFOLK, Va. — Flynn O’Boyle ’23 is a sophomore at Norfolk Collegiate who recently shot a 3 over par 75 to earn a third-place finish overall in the VISAA State Division II golf tournament at Williamsburg National Golf Club.
Age: 17
Sport: Golf
Sports participated in: Golf, Basketball, and Soccer
Years in current sport: 12
Team: Norfolk Collegiate School
Grade/Year: 10th grade, Class of 2023
Q: What drew you to your sport?
A: My dad is a PGA professional and my first, and best coach.
Q: What do you love about your sport?
A: I like that it is largely an individual sport where I don’t have to rely on somebody else to win. However, being on a team has taught me to lead by example and to trust my teammates.
Q: What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
A: I would like to play golf on a college team, preferably for a college in Florida due to the ability to play year round.
Q: What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
A: The biggest challenge is staying focused mentally. I try to block out those around me and stay in my own lane.
Q: What was the best advice you were ever given?
A: My dad gives me the same advice before each match: “Take one shot at a time and don’t think about the one behind you.”
Q: Do you have a saying or motto that you like to live by?
A: Lock in.
Q: Where do/did you go to school/where do you work?
A: I work at two golf courses in the summer, Sea Scape Golf Links and The Carolina Club.
Q: What do you like to do outside of your sport?
A: Spend time with my friends playing basketball.
Q: How would you describe your personality?
A: Low key, funny, laid back and kind.
Q: What is your favorite snack food?
A: Sour gummy bears and Dr. Perky.
Q: What is your favorite song or music artist to get you ready for a game?
A: “The World is Yours” by Nas.
Q: Do you have a pre-game ritual you follow?
A: Arrive early to practice shots that I’ll hit in the match.
Q: Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
A: In golf, everybody hits bad shots. It comes down to how you recover from them and move forward.
Q: How has the past year with COVID regulations changed how you approach your game, if any?
A: COVID actually introduced more people to golf and now there is more competition, so I have to work harder and prepare more.
Q: You recently placed third in the VISAA State Division II Tournament. What was your mindset going into the tournament?
A: I felt confident that I could win.
Q: How do you feel placing third in the state?
A: I felt proud that I could represent my school. Although we didn’t qualify as a team, I was grateful for the chance to wear my school’s uniform as an individual.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: Placing first next year.
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