ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Mahindra Lutchman

Ocoee High senior Mahindra Lutchman shot a 76 and finished tied for second place Oct. 15 at the Class 3A, District 7 Tournament at Windermere Country Club. With his strong round, Lutchman qualified for the Region 3 Tournament for a fourth consecutive year — making him the only golfer in program history to advance past district all four years of his career.

Ocoee’s district includes some formidable programs with lots of tradition. How proud are you to have advanced out of that district all four years?

It feels good. It shows that a lot of hard work pays off, and I just try to keep getting better and better.

When you were younger, as a freshman or sophomore, were you intimidated to golf against programs such as West Orange and Olympia?

I was actually more excited. Since my brother was in high school, and I was in sixth grade, all I’ve wanted to do is play high school golf. Freshman year finally came, and I was just ready.

Have you become friends over the years with any of the golfers from other schools within the district?

I’ve gotten to know a lot of them through different tournaments and high-school events. They all seem to be pretty friendly.

When you’re out on the course for a varsity golf event, how much small talk do you like to make with opponents?

When I play, I try to tell (my opponents) just to have a good time. The more fun we have, the better we play — and just not to make this so tense and stressed out. So, as we all walk to our balls, we just talk and stuff.

Your success has helped bring the program along. How does that feel?

It feels good to start something and just to go to regionals four times. It feels pretty good.

What’s your favorite memory from varsity golf?

It was actually this past match against Wekiva. It was the first time we went on a four-hole playoff because we tied. It was just really fun. I’ve known them for a very long time. 

What course did you enjoy playing the most?

One course that I think is really nice is Isleworth in Windermere.

When and where did you start playing golf?

I started playing when I was 6. My coach is Dr. T.J. Dorsey, and I’m in this group called Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association.

After spending 12 years involved with Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association, how valuable has that experience been for you?

It has pretty much built me up with who I am as a person. They don’t just teach you about golf; they teach you about life and things you need in life to be respectful and show gratitude.

Has there been a teammate whose progress within the game has made you proud?

Chris Boddie — he only started golfing a year and a half ago. He actually played football for Ocoee, and I got him, somehow, to go away from that. In a year and a half, he is shooting in the 80s, and he was only two strokes off from going to regionals.

What’s the round of varsity golf of which you’re most proud?

It would have to be against West Orange, and I forgot the other school’s name. I actually got medalist honors. You’re going against top players and to still come out on top, it just feels pretty good.

What do you enjoy about playing varsity golf?

You feel a part of something. You feel more like a family, like a group.

Is there a golfer you particularly look up to or mirror your game after?

When I was growing up I used to watch Justin Rose a lot, and lately, Jordan Spieth has been really good. I’ve seen his swing in slow motion, and it somewhat looks like mine.

What is your outlook for golf in the future?

I definitely want to golf in college. My main goal is to go professional and just see where it takes me.