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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Spring means different things to different people, but for Huntington Beach High School Coach Dean Yoshiyama, it means Oiler golf season. Asked for some insight about a player to watch, he pointed us to senior and co-captain of the varsity team, Shawn Williams.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been so rewarding to be part of his growth over the past four years,鈥� Yoshiyama offers. 鈥淗e鈥檚 a dedicated kid who works hard both at school and at golf, and he represents everything we鈥檇 want in a member of our golf program.鈥� Taking Coach at his word, we invited Williams for a sit-down.

When and where did you start playing golf?

Shawn Williams: 鈥淢y dad introduced me to the game when I was about 7 years old. I started playing at Meadowlark in Huntington Beach.鈥�

How did you progress competitively?

Williams: 鈥淚 began playing tournaments at the age of 8. I鈥檝e played on a bunch of local junior tours: U.S. Kids Golf, the Southern California PGA Junior Tour, and more recently, in Future Champions Golf and the Toyota Tour Cup.鈥�

When did you know that you might have some real talent?

Williams: 鈥淚t was about 6th grade that I started playing all the time and even wanting to go to what was then the SeaCliff Country Club and practice by myself. My dream became to play professionally, so I wanted to become the best that I could. My parents have given me so much support over the years. I鈥檒l always remember them taking off weekends and driving me out to tournaments. My dad even caddied for me when I played the U.S. Kids Golf tour.鈥�

You made the varsity golf team as a freshman. What did that mean to you?

Williams: 鈥淢y goal in middle school was to make the high school team, so to make varsity as a freshman was exciting. It meant that my hard work was paying off.鈥�

What鈥檚 involved with being on the high school golf team?

Williams: At the end of winter, we鈥檒l play tournaments against other schools. We play mainly at the Huntington Club, but occasionally at Meadowlark or at courses near the school we鈥檙e playing against. As a team, we鈥檒l also play weekly practice rounds at a local course, and then when the spring season starts, we鈥檒l start with matches. However, most of us will go out and play somewhere on our own daily. I鈥檝e become close to a lot of teammates that way.鈥�

Have you ever shot a hole in one?

Williams: Twice! The first time was with my swing coach at Newport Beach鈥檚 Back Bay par-3 course. The second time was with my brother, who was there carrying my clubs around. I was 12 when that happened, and I remember us both celebrating and jumping around.鈥�

What is the best course you鈥檝e played on?

Williams: 鈥淎 course in Maui called Kapalua. It鈥檚 where they hold the Sentry Tournament of Champions. I went there last May.鈥�

What is your reputation as a golfer?

Williams: 鈥淚鈥檝e been playing almost 12 years and for 10 of them, my main strength was my driver. I鈥檝e always been able to outdrive most of my competitors. I鈥檝e since become more consistent with my irons and am more of an iron player now.鈥�

What does HBHS鈥� spring golf season consist of?

Williams: 鈥淲e play non-league tournaments against 15 to 20 schools at a time on different Southern California courses until April. That鈥檚 when the Sunset League season begins, and we鈥檒l start playing Edison, Newport Harbor, and Corona Del Mar High Schools.鈥�

What have you learned from Coach Yoshiyama?

Williams: 鈥淎s a freshman and sophomore, I didn鈥檛 have the best temper on the course. Coach Yoshiyama encouraged me to 鈥榓lways be positive鈥� because if you dwell on one bad shot or one bad score, it can negatively affect the rest of your round.

Last year, you were named to the First Team All-Sunset League. What are your goals for this season?

Williams: 鈥淚 want to be on First Team and be first in points, which would make me league MVP. Last year, I also made round three of CIF for individuals. I鈥檇 like to perform even better this year.鈥�

What are your college plans? Are you signed to play anywhere?

Williams: In September, I committed to Oglethorpe University in Georgia. It鈥檚 ranked 12th in the nation amongst D3 schools and was the best fit for me. The campus is amazing. and the golf coach is a great guy!鈥�

Would you like to play professionally?

Williams: 鈥淚 might like to play on the PGA Tour someday, but right now, I鈥檓 focused on playing next year and how that first college season will go. Education is a big deal to me. Once I figure out my major, I鈥檒l be more aware of what I want to do. But I鈥檒l always keep a career in golf in mind.

Best advice for those looking join the HBHS golf team?

Williams: 鈥淕olf is all about practice and continuing to push yourself to improve. Always be a positive person. While being a top player is good, it鈥檚 also important to be a good teammate. That can lead to some pretty great things.鈥�

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