Meet The Beavers: David Fink
April 26, 2012
David Fink is one of those student-athletes who can do about anything. Sure, his love and passion is golf. But he also plays drums for a band (Summa Sounds), enjoys volleyball and soccer and has completely embraced Corvallis even though he was born and raised in the natural beauty and perfect weather of Hawaii.
Fink came to Oregon State to play golf after graduating from Iolani High School in Kailua, Hawaii in 2009. After redshirting his first season, he proved to be one of the most consistent golfers on the Beavers' team as he competed in all 11 tournaments and posted a 72.88 scoring average, the 21st best in school history.
He had a solid start to his sophomore campaign, recording a 72.33 scoring average with five subpar rounds, before sustaining an injury to his wrist that forced him to miss five tournaments. He is healthy now and made his return to the lineup in last weekend's Aggie Invitational where he had all three of his rounds count in Oregon State's team score.
Away from the course, he has already earned Pac-12 All-Academic honors with a 3.35 GPA in Liberal Studies and is usually seen with other Oregon State student-athletes playing volleyball or just hanging out with his outgoing Hawaiian personality.
Fink is as excited as anyone about the Pac-12 Men's Golf Championship being held in Corvallis this weekend and looks forward to playing in front of Beaver Nation for the first time in his career.
When and where did you start playing golf?
"I started playing golf when I was about four-years-old. I started golfing back home in Hawaii and grew up playing at the Oahu Country Club."
Who is the one person who has helped you the most in your golf career?
"There is really no one person. For a career, I believe it takes many, many people, including friends, coaches, family, and mentors. My family helped get me to where I was at by believing in me and providing me with the love it has taken to get here. But everyone in my life has helped me to get to where I am thus far in my career."
When and where did you get your first par?
"At Oahu Country Club, my home course when I was around five I think."
When and where did you get your first birdie?
"Probably around the age of seven, either at my home course or at Hawaii Kai Par 3."
When and where did you get your first eagle?
"I got my first eagle when I was about 11 or 12, while playing with my grandpa at Waialae Country Club. I chipped in from a green side bunker."
Have you ever gotten a hole-in-one?
"I have only had one hole-in-one, which came in the practice round of the US Amateur qualifier in San Mateo, California. The course was the Peninsula Club on the 17th hole, a 300-yard par-4."
What's your favorite golf course and why?
"My favorite course is the Experience at Koele, on the island of Lanai in Hawaii. It is the highest point of the island and has tall trees and has some of the greatest holes I've ever played. The 17th hole is a downhill par-4 that drops about 300 feet from tee to green. Also, the course gives off a vibe of being in a land of your own; so peaceful and makes you forget about all of the other things going on. Perfect!"
What's the best shot you've ever hit?
"Similar to Phil Mickelson's shot on the par-5, 13th hole in the 2010 Masters, I squeezed an iron shot through a `Y' shaped gap in some trees during the 11th hole of an AJGA event in Aurora, Illinois. I hit an 8-iron from 155 yards and stuck it to within 10 feet and made the birdie putt."
Why did you choose to attend Oregon State?
"I chose Oregon State University because of the family atmosphere. There is a sense of family, especially between ALL student-athletes, not just on your own team. An example of this today is how the athletic department came together in the passing of Fred Thompson. It is a program like this, where I grew up in high school and didn't want anything different. Also, the facilities are ideal for improving. Along with the facilities, the coaching staff here is committed to improving each of the players and helping us exceed to the next level."
What do you like best about your teammates?
"I love that we are always together. It truly does feel like a family atmosphere where each one of us gets along and helps each other out with stuff, such as school, golf, relationships and even pushing each other to get that run in everyday."
What do you like best about your coaches?
"I like the fact that they are young. They are very easy to connect with and talk to about things going on in our lives because they just experienced the same type of things. I also like the fact that they are with us during practice, whether that is workouts, practice, and mental training. They are there with us in the PROCESS. The process is becoming champions."
What do you like best about Corvallis?
"I like the small town feel. Even though we have everything of a big town, besides malls, we have a cozy environment where we can go out and enjoy ourselves. I also enjoy the amount of activities there are to do. Whether that is playing outdoor sports and activities with my roommate, other friends or teammates, there are so many to choose from. Finally, I like the small town feel, like my hometown of Kailua, where everyone supports you and is behind you as Beaver Nation."
What do you like best about Trysting Tree?
"I like the par-3 practice facility the most about Trysting Tree. It is a perfect place to improve anything from wedges, to short game, to putting and even hitting full iron shots. Also, Trysting Tree is nice enough to provide us with a range to work on our long game. Also, the greens are always in great shape, which helps a lot because it gives us the opportunity to hone in on our putting and chipping in preparation for the upcoming tournaments."
What's the best course you've played in college golf?
"Querencia Golf Course in Los Cabos, Mexico."
Who is the most famous person you've played golf with?
"I was part of a Junior Skills Challenge where I was teamed up with a professional to compete against other junior-pro teams. My pro was Davis Love III. But I also got the opportunity to play against the likes of Steve Stricker, Parker McLaughlin and Dean Wilson."
Who would be in your dream foursome?
"My dream foursome would be Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, and Kevin James (actor of King of Queens, Hitch, etc.)."
If you could play a different college sport at Oregon State, what would it be and why?
"I would play volleyball, but without a men's team it would be tough. I love the team aspect of the sport and have played the sport since I was around 12. Also, a sport I wish I continued longer is soccer. I love the sport and wish I didn't stop as early as I did. It is a sport similar to volleyball that is very team-oriented and requires leadership. I had the privilege to partake in some big tournaments for volleyball and soccer and do miss both sports. Also, I would play football as it is a sport I have always wanted to play. I actually have played it all the time at the beach in pick-up games and alongside my cousin Joey who played football for the University of Hawaii Warriors."
What are your team and individual goals for the spring season?
"We have a lot of goals for the team, but the one at the top is winning Pac-12's. We are hosting the tournament this year, and with hopefully a hometown crowd, we have a chance to do big things. Also, we want to make it back to Nationals. We are good enough to have the talent, so it's time to perform to our ability. As for my personal goals, I like to keep them to myself. It is important to me that they are understood and worked hard for everyday. But I will say that my goal is to help and fight hard for the Beavers' men's golf program to become known and respected."
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