In 2011, professional golfer Rory McIlroy won the U.S. Open; securing a spot in history as he became the youngest winner since Bobby Jones in 1923. This day may have changed McIlroy’s life but his accomplishment also influenced another youth; Michael Frizalone.
Frizalone is a senior at Plainedge High School and captain of the golf team. He stands out as one of the most talented golf players on Long Island. In reference to McIlroy idol, Frizalone said the day of the 2011 U.S. Open was the day he knew that golf was for him.
“I want to master this sport just as McIlory is doing,” he said, adding that throughout the school year he trains with personal trainer John Andres, with a workout that incorporates weight training and high intensity interval training.
With just three short years of experience swinging a club, Frizalone has become an All County golfer and Nassau County’s player to watch of 2014. He maintains a very strict routine of going to the golf range every day to work on his swing.
Although Frizalone has an impressive work ethic, he credits his family with his achievements.
“Without the motivational push from my parents, I would not be the successful golfer I am today.”
Frizalone lives for the summer, not because school is out, but for another reason.
“Eat, sleep, tournaments, and practice,” he said. “For me, it doesn’t get much better than summer time.”
This past summer, Frizalone played in multiple tournaments in New York, New Jersey and Texas. He even qualified to play in the U.S. Jr. Amateurs in Woodlands, Texas.
“Playing outside of New York and being surrounded by the best young golfers in the country was incredible, and I was truly blessed to be on the same course as these golfers,” said Frizalone of the life changing experience. “I have never seen better competition in my life.”
Frizalone also lends his talents to his varsity golf team. Although Plainedge is a smaller school the golf team holds its own against opponents like Massapequa and MacArthur High School.
“It is very rare for Plainedge to compete against Massapequa, but we have already played and defeated Massapequa in our past two matches,” said Frizalone. “As the smaller school in each match we always feel like we have something to prove.”
The Plainedge Boys varsity golf team is on the run for a county championship, which will allow them to make history in the small school district.
“Although golf is a sport based off of the individual’s performance, school golf is all a team effort,” said Frizalone.
Plainedge’s starting six includes Michael Frizalone, Mike Pilkington, Matt Chung, Tyler Sloman, Danny Porciello, and Devin Cleary. Frizalone went into detail on how he and Co-captain Mike Pilkington discuss each tactic together, adding that decision making is key for Plainedge along with teamwork.
“There are so many aspects to golf. It’s not just swinging and getting the ball into a hole,” he said, holding onto his belief that golf is on a different caliber than any other sport, as each action comes down to a fraction of an inch.
Frizalone is a natural competitor with a very bright future ahead of him. He plans to move forward with golf after high school, but not before making good on his promise for a bright golf season for Plainedge.
