Alex Lederhausen
SENIOR | GOLFER | HINSDALE CENTRAL
How do you react to people who argue golf isn't a sport? I take a deep breath. People who say that probably don't play golf and haven't experienced it. I explain that even though you don't run, you do sweat, and it is so mental. You have to be on top of your game. I run, exercise, lift weights, read sports psychology books and work on my stroke in front of a mirror. It is a sport.
How important is it to win a second state title in a row? It is important but I feel it's only two days out of an entire year for me. It is only a tiny measurement of my entire season. One of my goals is to look at the entire season, every 18-hole match, every meet, trying to be the best I can be, enjoying it, improving my game.
You were born in Sweden and came to the United States when you were 8 years old. Do you want to be the next Annika Sorenstam? Yes. Will I? That's hard to answer. She is a great person and a great golfer but I'm not sure it will happen. I don't have a picture of her in my room. I think a lot about the way she made golf grow and how she thinks the mental game is so important. I aspire to play like her. But my favorite golfer is Tiger Woods.
You became eligible this week after serving a suspension for playing in a non-school event in Wales. Any regrets? I was representing myself, not Sweden. It was a great experience for me -- the people, the different type of golf, the great competition. It was so exciting. I will remember the experience for a long time.
What is the toughest aspect of the game? The mental aspect. Golf isn't like a lot of sports. It is sheer mental. A lot of people can hit the ball, long irons and long drives, but doing it at the right time is what matters.
What is the best club in your bag? I'd love to say my putter. But that isn't always the case. It depends on the week and the day. Sometimes I feel like my putting is great but sometimes I'm confident with my irons and driver.
What's the best round of golf you ever played? I've had great tournaments that I am proud of, but my scores weren't low. This summer, at Hawthorn Woods, I made a major swing change and had a great attitude and shot 73-73. I was proud of myself.
What is your future goal? Improve my game, especially my short game, by reading books and working out and meditating. I'm not close to where I want to be.
What do you like to do in your free time? I hit balls every day. I love to run and hang out with my friends and spend time with my family. I try to maintain as close to an A average as I can. During the winter, I play badminton for fun.
