Sports Spotlight: Artem Yalovenko

Following a big win at regionals last week, senior Artem Yalovenko and the Windermere Prep boys golf team are doing big things out on the links. The Russian-born righty, in his second and final year with the team, is hoping to end his season strong before he takes to the course next year as a member of the UCF golf team.

When did you get into golf, and what got you started?

I got into golf when I was 8, turning 9, and prior to that, I played mini-golf. The reason why I got into it is because a golf course opened up near my house in Moscow, and my mom just sent me there. I don’t remember if I liked the sport, but I just continued on.

What do you consider to be your strength in golf — short or long game?

I think my strength is probably short game. If my long game isn’t good enough, I can probably up and down for birdie or par depending on how far the hole is.

Is there one big highlight moment that stands out for you during your time at Windermere Prep?

So far, it’s been winning the regionals (this year). I haven’t been on the high-school team for that long — I started last year. But one of our guys signed the wrong score card, so we lost by one shot going to states, but I made it as an individual so that was fine — I got seventh there. 

Do you have a favorite course that you like to play?

I just played the British Junior, and I played Royal Portrush and Royal Portstewart, and I think by far these courses were my favorite places. It requires creativity, it requires dedication, and you have to think a lot on the course.

In what ways has coach Kyle McClone helped you as a player?

Kyle is a great coach. He has been great at keeping me not too much in my head and keeping me smiling throughout the course, which I tend not to do so well. 

Are you more of an aggressive type of player, or do you tend to be a bit conservative with your game?

I cant say that I’m aggressive, because I don’t hit it as far as Eric Berggren, but when I have the chance, I’ll probably go for it, because I hit it quite accurately. 

What has been the most interesting difference between Moscow and here?

It’s just the mindset. The mindset, I don’t want to say depressing, but they like to dwell upon things. While here, you take life a little easier. I think there are positives to both sides — when you dwell on things, you can get better off of it, but also you don’t want too much of it.

What is your favorite meal?

I call myself a (omnivore), because I eat literally anything. Recently I’ve tried waffles for the first time with apples and cinnamon, and those were pretty good.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I’ve been many places, but the one place I haven’t been to is like, Southeast Asia and Australia. I want to go to Vietnam, Singapore, and I’d love to go to Australia and Japan. I’d love to explore the world a little more in Asia.