Sultan golfer mastering mind games

It just goes to show that sometimes, good things can happen when a young man plays video games.

As long as that young man is dedicated, focused and not afraid of a little hard work; like Sultan High School varsity golfer Tyler Aamold. The 16-year-old sophomore took sixth place in this year's Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) state golf championships, tying the school record set in 2010.

Playing Tiger Woods video games as a child helped spur his interest in golf, Aamold said, along with guidance from a mentor who taught him the basics of the sport.

Aamold, who has been golfing for about 10 years, has been competing since he was nine. He practices nearly every day during golf season, and has begun accumulating honors for his efforts. He was named the Sultan High School "Outstanding Male Golfer of the YearGÇ¥ in 2015 and 2016, and was given the school's spring athlete award for 2016.

In addition to his local honors, he achieved placement at the state golf championships two years in a row.

The 2015 WIAA state championships were held at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco. Aamold came in 37th place, out of 80 finalists.

This year, things were a little bit different.-á -á

Sultan's golf team traveled to the Liberty Lake Golf Course in Spokane for the championship tournament on May 24-25. He not only came in sixth place, but was the top finisher in WIAA District 1, Sultan's regional designation. Aamold shares the record with former Sultan Turk Bradley Green, who happens to be Aamold's mentor. Green said he was not surprised by Aamold's success; he has a solid work ethic and is a great person.

"I've enjoyed watching him grow in the game of golf, but what amazes me is his maturity on and off the course,GÇ¥ Green said. "His passion for the outdoors, hard work, helping others and supporting our constitution makes him far beyond his years. I'm excited to see where he goes.GÇ¥

A member of the Sultan High School Pep Club and the National Honors Society, Aamold is also committed to his education.

Coached by athletics instructor Mike McMahon, Sultan's 2015GÇô16 boys golf team had a total of eight players, six of whom participated in matches regularly. The team practices at Blue Boy West Golf Course, north of Sultan off Old Owen Road. It's a challenging sport, McMahon said, requiring effective hand-eye coordination and a great deal of concentration.

A player has to learn different techniques and practice frequently, he said.

"I think that's why people give up on it so fast; is because it is really hard to do,GÇ¥ McMahon said.

Watching Aamold take his game to the next level this year has been rewarding, he said.-á

Aamold qualified for the state championships after earning fourth place at the District 1 1A tournament at the Jackson Park Golf Course on May 12. He then advanced to the May 17 Bi-District competition, which combined District 1 and District 2, taking ninth place. And although it didn't influence his invitation to state, right before districts he was the top finisher during the Cascade Conference tournament in Snohomish on May 10.

Coming in sixth at state was the icing on the cake, and a fun way to end the season, McMahon said.

Aamold said this year's success at the Cascade Conference, districts and state had a lot to do with improving what he calls his "mental game.GÇ¥-á

Throughout the season last year, Aamold found himself plagued with negative thoughts during tournaments, convinced he couldn't do well. He knew he was dedicated ' practicing almost every day ' but he still faced self-doubt.-á

"I knew I had the skillset, I knew I worked hard at it, so I knew I could play golf,GÇ¥ Aamold said. "But when I would get to tournaments and stuff like that, things would just start going through my mind.GÇ¥

This year, a change in the game rules made it easier for McMahon to coach his players during matches. Previously, there were restrictions imposed on when he could interact with them during a game. Those restrictions were lifted this year, enabling him to talk to his team members before and after challenging shots, so they didn't get frustrated and upset.

"I try to keep them loose on the golf course because a lot of times, if a player hits a bad shot, then they start getting tense and mad,GÇ¥ McMahon said. "So what I try to do with these guys is get their minds off the last shot, because you can't do anything about it; it's already been done.GÇ¥

McMahon works to rein in negative energy and keep golfers calm, so they can concentrate on their game and get good shots no matter what may have occurred on the previous hole. According to Aamold, McMahon's coaching methods have been successful. The stress he felt during last year's tournaments gradually began to dissipate; this year was a whole new game.-á

"This season McMahon helped me calm down,GÇ¥ Aamold said. "It made a huge difference.GÇ¥

Another factor has been guidance by Green, who helped Aamold with the mental aspects of the game, and has given him tips on how to improve his swing. The two enjoy mountain climbing and hiking, as well as sharing golf stories. As a result of his interactions with Green and McMahon, Aamold said he felt a distinct shift in his thought processes this season, from negative to positive.-á -á

"This year I really got through my mental barrier,GÇ¥ Aamold said. "I think that has to do with a lot of my success is that I just got through that mental barrier.GÇ¥-á

Aamold loves the camaraderie he's found on the golf team. The team is extremely close, he said, and everybody is supportive. He enjoys traveling to different golf courses all over the state and being able to spend time with his friends. Teammate and friend Carsen Smith, 17, didn't qualify for state but still made the journey, so he could cheer Aamold on.

"Carsen was a very big support,GÇ¥ Aamold said.

Aamold is thankful to Sultan High School for having a golf team, and grateful to Blue Boy West Golf Course owner Ernie Smith for allowing the team to practice there. He is especially grateful to his family for supporting his efforts, including investing in some quality golf clubs.

"I'd like to say a huge thanks to my family for supporting me,GÇ¥ Aamold said. "After a golf tournament, if I do well, I'll look at my phone and I'll have like 30 text messages just from everybody in my family.GÇ¥

McMahon hopes the team will be larger next year, and is looking forward to seeing Aamold continue to hone his skills on the course.-á

"It's been a lot of fun to watch him grow over the past two years, and I'm looking forward to seeing what can happen these next two years,GÇ¥ McMahon said.