On today’s Golf Pro blog series, we have the talented Pro golf Player Roberto Diaz who shares his unique pro golf story and tips for golfers who want to become professional players.

1) At what age did you start playing Golf?

When I was little, my uncle took me to the golf course and my interest was sparked from there. I started playing when I was 6 and got serious when I was 10;  I grew up in Veracruz, Mexico. The travel aspect of golf would allow for me to see different places which is a passion of mine so I started practicing in order to join the national Mexican team. I studied at a Golf Academy in Hilton Head at IJGA. I attended Aiken University and played golf on their team. After I graduated college, I became a professional player in 2010.

2) What was the best kind of practice as a teen? What helped you learn the game of Golf the most?

I honestly just went out and played. There was a 9 hole par 3 course and I can remember going out and playing probably 54 holes a day on that Golf course. Sometimes I would play 63 holes a day and loop around; this went on and on. As you play tournaments you start learning the basics and as you get more interested in the game, you start wondering, “if I did this, how would it change that”. We traveled, played tournaments, played as a team etc.  My uncle was the one who taught me the basics and from there I learned from other golfers I would meet. I actually think I played my first tournament at five years old.

3)  What advice would you have?

The funny thing is you can play as well as you can, but you always feel you can play better; your best is never enough and there is always room for improvement. This is the most addictive game there is. The more you play, the more you want to be better and there is never enough. My best advice would be to enjoy the game. If you don’t learn to really enjoy it you will never be really good at it. Learn to love the challenge.

Once you go pro you play against very experienced people and the game you used to play turns into a job.  Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do but I wish I could get the same enjoyment as I did before I turned professional. I remember I would go to the course and my mom would wait for me, but I would say 9 more holes. I wanted to be there until dark.

4) Who do you admire?

I have always liked Tiger Woods. He changed the game of golf; thanks to him you can make  a living at the level I’m at. He paved the way for golfers like Spieth and Rory.

 

Some  of Roberto Diaz achievements.

Four time All-American at the University of South Carolina Aiken

Member of the Mexican National Team, 2005-2009

Received two Eisenhower Cups, 2006 and 2008

Represented the Mexican National Team at the University of Bangkok, 2007

Named 2010 Rookie of the Year in the Professional Golf Association of Mexico

Qualified for the PGA Tour Latin America by finishing in the top 20, 2013

First place in the Televisa Players Championship, 2013