Harriton’s Jack Chodkowski is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (Sept. 12-18)

The senior co-captain has been on fire early this fall, shooting a 3 under par 32 at Merion West Aug. 29 (vs. Haverford High), a 1 under 33 at Philadelphia Country Club Sept. 7 (vs. Conestoga) and a 1 under 35 at Turtle Creek (vs. Springfield). Harriton golf coach Brian Dobak said, “Jack has made incredible strides in each of his four years in our program. His strides I attribute to three things: One, he has a beautiful swing that he crafted with the help of Brian Quinn at The 1912 Club, plus he spends a lot of time on his short game. Two, Jack has a strong mental game – he has a calm, humble, patient mind where it seems as if his good golf comes to him instead of him chasing after it all the time. Three, Jack has the desire to compete – there is no better way to improve your game than to put yourself into the fire of competition. Jack consistently plays in junior tour events throughout the year. He has a competitive nature about him. Jack is a wonderful captain for us and we look forward to him finishing his high school career strong this season.”

 

Q: What was working particularly well for you in your 3 under par round at Merion West?

 

A: I did a really nice job giving myself good looks into greens. I then was able to take advantage of my opportunities and set myself up for makeable birdie putts, which I mostly converted.

 

Q: What do you attribute your recent low scores to?

 

A: I can attribute my recent success to my continuous determination to practice and craft my game, as well as my participation in junior tournaments. Junior tournaments mentally prepare me for almost anything I face during a school golf season.

 

Q: What part of your game do you consider strongest?

 

A: Recently my tee shots have been the strongest part of my game. My distance is usually what separates me from the rest of the field, but I’ve been able to take advantage of my accuracy lately.

 

Q: What aspect of your game are you working on the most currently?

 

A: The aspect of my game I am working on currently is my chipping. I’m always trying to improve my short game regardless of the way I play on the course. 

 

Q: What originally sparked your interest in golf?

A: Playing so often with my Dad and Grandfather is what sparked my interest. Golf is extremely hard, and the satisfaction that I get from playing well is something that isn’t replicable.

 

Q: What has been your favorite memory of your tournament play outside of Harriton?

 

A: It would have to be this summer while in Penn State. I played in the HJGT tournament being held at Penn State’s course and went on to post my career best, a 2-over 74.

 

Q: What is your favorite hole at your home course, The 1912 Club, and why?

 

A: My favorite hole would be the par-4 ninth hole. It’s my favorite mainly because I know I can always finish the front nine with a relatively easy hole and hopefully steal a quick birdie.

 

Q: What is your favorite golf course and why?

 

A: My favorite golf course is Fieldstone Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., mainly due to all the countless memories I have playing with my friend, Jack Swalley, until dawn.

 

Q: What is your favorite club and why (can you give specs)? 

 

A: My favorite club would have to be my Mizuno MP-20 Pitching Wedge. I believe the shaft for that wedge is a N.S. Pro Modus 120 S. It’s mainly my favorite because I feel I can hit it a mile but at the same time, have great touch on shorter half-shots from tough distances.

 

Q: What is your favorite golf ball and why?

 

A: I’ve always played the Titleist Pro-V1 golf balls. They provide great spin around greens and the soft feel is what gets me to keep buying them.

 

Q: What size grips do you feel most comfortable with?

 

A: My grip size has always been the default version of Golf Pride. Although last year, due to my height, I did have to get my clubs extended about a half of an inch.

 

Q: Who is your favorite golfer and why?

 

A: My favorite golfer is definitely Jordan Spieth because of his animation on the golf course and the way he’s bounced back multiple times in his career.

 

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Harriton? What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at this time?

 

A: My favorite academic course at Harriton would have to be Advanced Entrepreneurship. In college I am looking to major in Business of some sort, whether it’s accounting, finance, business management, etc. This major sets me up to get a job in most fields of business. I would love to work in the sports industry as well. 

 

Fun facts – Jack Chodkowski

Favorite TV show: Narcos.

Favorite movie: Cars.

Favorite athlete: Odell Beckham Jr.

Favorite pre-round pump-up song: Wasted On You, by Morgan Wallen.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite place to visit: Nantucket.

Other extracurricular activities at Harriton: Varsity basketball, Leadership Council and Ronald McDonald Club.

Favorite pre-round meal: Pasta.

Person I most admire, and why: “My Dad because he’s given me the tools to become the person I want to be.”

Family members: parents Gregg and Chris, younger brother Cole.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)