Hirayama swings for success

PHOTO/ Brianna Tong Hirayama prepares to swing the club during a match against the previously undefeated La Cañada team at Brookside Golf Club on April 28. Temple City was victorious with a score of 211 to 191.

By Amy Ta,
Staff Writer

Lining up the club to the golf ball, sophomore Kai Hirayama peered into the distance, eyeing a tiny red flag over the horizon. He tensed his body and swung the club down in an aggressive swing. A loud thwack fills the air as the ball flies over the sprawling green course.

Hirayama started golf at 5 years old, when he saw his dad practicing swings in the Arcadia Park Golf Range. Soon after, his father brought him to Arcadia’s Par 3 Course for a group lesson, where he learned the basics of golf.

In his early stages of playing golf, he had the ideal physique of a golf player, through experience from other sports.

“From there, I just got hooked on golf,” Hirayama said. “I enjoy hitting the ball and seeing it fly through the air, especially landing it near the hole and getting a better score than others.”

Like many athletes, Hirayama faces plenty of obstacles as he journeys his way through golfing. This includes trying to understand the techniques used in golf, and keeping up with better golf competitors.

“I’ve encountered a lot of obstacles,” Hirayama said. “When I was young, the clubs felt heavy to me. You will need a certain swing and also be able to be consistent with the swing. I also keep getting injured and that hurts a lot.”

Hirayama participated in his first major competition, the IMG Junior World, at age 12. There, Hirayama placed fourth overall out of 1,200 participants. Then, in 2018, he participated in a TV show competition, “Drive, Chip, and Putt,” that tests youth golfers’ skills in said categories. Hirayama placed first in regionals where he advanced to Augusta Nationals. His most recent tournament was the Toyota Tour Cup, where he placed second overall.

“I’m the most proud of the IMG Junior World,” Hirayama said. “I got fourth, and that made me more confident in golf. People from all over the world came for that tournament, so it was just a big thing for me.”

To help stay on track and keep up with the other competitors, Hirayama maintains a strict work schedule. This includes practicing in the morning for an hour before school and four hours after school. During the weekends, these golf sessions last for longer periods of time, sometimes continuing for the whole day.

All of his practice and dedication led him in making the TCHS boys’ golf varsity team, where Hirayama strives to improve the boys golf team standings. Last year, he placed first individually in the Rio Hondo League, advancing to CIF.

“I want to make our team better than ever and help everyone’s golf game out so that our team becomes the best in the league,” Hirayama said. “We are doing way better than last year as a golf team and everyone is improving a lot.”

After high school, Hirayama plans on pursuing a career in golfing. To help reach his goal, Hirayama participates in high-profile competitions, such as the American Junior Golf Association. This will help him in gaining exposure for the recruiting process.

“I would really like to make golf my career,” Hirayama said. “That’s why I’m trying so hard right now to get into college. I’ve always liked golf and it is the best for me.”