Junior Sportsperson of the Year Michael Cook Waynesborough Country Club __________ BY TONY REGINA __________ M ICHAEL COOK is on the fence about his nickname “cookie.” It’s an obvious play on his last name, but the Waynesborough Country Club youngster doesn’t see any reasons beyond that. More arise when he sets foot on a golf course. Cook is courteous and friendly to everyone he encounters — his heart akin to a soft, gooey cookie. He is also diligent and determined to im-prove with each round — his work ethic reflec-tive of the hard, crunchy kind. way they conduct themselves,” Cook, a senior at Conestoga High School, said. “There isn’t club throwing. There are no hissy fits. There’s no place for an attitude out on the golf course. Golf is a game, so it’s a privilege just to be playing it.” Completing Cook’s set of values is his father Michael, an ever-present promoter of respect and kindness in all walks of life. “He’s not the best golfer, but he’s a very well-mannered golfer,” the younger Cook said of his father. “My brother [Alex] and I would always up in a playoff,” he said. “It was a nervous time qualifying, but it was really special to qualify be-cause Applebrook is one of my home courses. It was definitely one of goals for the summer.” Nerves were non-existent when Cook teamed with friend and high school teammate Robert Olseski in the Francis X. Hussey Memorial. The two carded a 6-under-par 65 to triumph by one stroke. “Winning the Hussey was really special, espe-cially because it was my last year of eligibility,” Perhaps it’s his cookie personality that made Cook a savory selection for the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s 2014 Junior Sportsperson of the Year treat. The distinction is bestowed upon a junior golfer who demonstrates fairness and respect toward fellow competitors as well as graciousness in winning or losing. “It’s really special. I didn’t expect to receive the award,” Cook, 18, of Berwyn, Pa., said. “All throughout junior golf, I’ve learned to conduct myself in a respectful manner. It means a lot to me to know that I’ve been upholding the mold of junior golf — being respectful and playing the game as it should be played.” “We always talk about junior golfers being the future of the game, and because of Michael Cook, the future looks very promising,” Chris Roselle, the Association’s Tournament Director, added. “He embodies all the qualities that make this game so special. His on-course demeanor, sportsmanship and playing ability showcase what makes golf such a great game.” A trio of golf course experiences molded Cook’s sportsmanship over the years. For start-ers, he’s played frequently alongside adult mem-bers at Waynesborough, soaking in maturity and proper behavior first-hand. Cook also cites competing in this year’s GAP Amateur Champi-onship as an influence. “You see all of those mature adults and the 12 GOLF ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA “ There’s no place for an attitude out on the golf course. It’s a privilege just to be playing.” argue. My dad would always teach us how to conduct ourselves on the golf course.” The Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award illuminates a collection of GAP achievements for Cook in 2014. He qualified for the Amateur and Open Championships — the latter in a 15-for-10 playoff. The Open took place at Applebrook Golf Club, where Cook is also a member. “I shot a 73 and thought I was in with ease, but a lot of scores came in under par and I ended Cook said. “It was a good farewell I guess.” Cook won’t bid farewell to competitive golf any-time soon. He competed in the PIAA Individual Championships on Oct. 20-21 at Heritage Hills Golf Resort & Conference Center in York, Pa. College golf is also in the cards. Cook is set to play for Drexel University where he plans to major in business. Maybe the cookie nickname will taste sweeter by then. Visit the Golf Association of Philadelphia Web site at www.gapgolf.org for all the latest news and notes
GAP Magazine 2014 Winter: Page 12
