Athlete of the Week: Aaron Leach

Aaron Leach is a golfer for the Olympia Titans. Having started playing golf at an early age, Leach has been a standout on the Titans golf team since he came to Olympia. He has won seven tournaments on the Florida Junior Tour, along with a state championship. Leach recently won the regional championship by one stroke after shooting a 70 (-2) at the FHSAA Class 3A Region 3 championships. He will compete at the Class 3A state championship Nov. 16. Leach hopes to go to a Division I college for golf, get on the PGA Tour and eventually win the Masters after he graduates from Olympia. 

How long have you been golfing? 

I started when I was around 1-and-a-half. We have a putting green in our backyard, and my parents had plastic clubs for me. I would putt back there with them, and I thought it was fun. When I was 2-and-a-half, we went to the driving range, and I started hitting balls for the first time. I played my first tournament when I was 7 and won that, so I figured I might as well play it. 

What do you enjoy the most about playing golf? 

You never know what is going to happen each day. Every time you hit a shot, something could happen. I like the competitiveness of it and the fact that no course is the same. It’s something new every time I play. 

What’s your favorite course that you have played?

Orange Tree is pretty nice. I enjoy playing it a lot. The best course I have played on, though, is Quail Ridge in Boynton Beach. 

Describe the best tournament or round of golf you’ve played.

In match play, I played 128 holes in one week. That was one of the best tournaments I’ve played, because I was down a couple of times with a couple to play, then I would win the last four holes to win that match. There was no score besides winning a hole. That was the longest and most mentally tough week I had. 

How do you stay focused out on the course? 

When I’m not over my shot, I stay in the moment by looking around where I’m at and finding something like it being a nice day. Over my shot, I stay in my routine. I hit my shot and don’t worry about the results. 

Who is your favorite golfer? 

Justin Thomas — I like the way he plays, his swing is good, and he stays very calm on the course. He’s also clutch like me. 

What are your hobbies outside of golf? 

I enjoy playing basketball and video games, and I like going to the gym a lot. What I like about going to the gym is it’s time to take to improve myself, because it’s a quiet place for me. I don’t watch much basketball, but I enjoy playing it. 

What is your favorite basketball team? 

Orlando Magic. 

Favorite video game? 

“PGA 2K21.”

Favorite movie? 

“Happy Gilmore” and the John Wick series. I like action movies a lot. 

Favorite TV/Netflix show? 

“Squid Game.” 

Disney or Universal? 

Universal — my favorite ride is Revenge of the Mummy. 

Favorite kind of food? 

Mexican food. 

What’s an interesting thing about you that no one would expect to know? 

I’m really into cars. I like all sorts of them. 

Favorite kind of car? 

Bugatti Chiron, but I also like Ferraris, as well. The Ferrari Pista is really nice, as is the LaFerrari. 

Ignoring price tag, what would your dream car be? 

Rolls Royce — those things are more than a house basically. I like sports cars, but I would say my dream car would be a Rolls Royce.