Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Ian Fitzpatrick

The Foundation Academy boys golf team faced off against West Orange and Wekiva Aug. 22 and came away victorious, led in part by senior captain Ian Fitzpatrick’s low-score of 38 (nine holes) at Wekiva Golf Club. Fitzpatrick is a three-sport athlete for the Lions, competing at the varsity level in soccer and baseball, as well.

Were you excited about the way the team played against West Orange and Wekiva?

I really was. We went out there and shot our lowest score, and we proved a lot. It was a very good win.

What were you doing well that day?

I was hitting fairways — that’s the main part. Hitting fairways and then hitting the greens.

How far back do you go with the game, and what do you like about it?

I started when I was probably 5, and then I started playing competitively in sixth grade. I like being outside and always being able to meet new people. Working as a team (in varsity competition) is really a big part of it.

What’s your best individual performance to date?

Probably shooting my lowest nine-hole score earlier this year — a 34 in a Hurricane (Junior Golf Tour) tournament. 

What element of your game is strongest, and what are you working to improve at?

I’m actually pretty solid off the tee — I can drive it 300 (yards). What I’m working on is my putting.

What’s your favorite course to play, regionally?

I would say the Crooked Cat course at Orange County National. It has a good layout. It has some distance to it, and I like how it incorporates the trees and the sand. There’s not much water, and there are more hills than we normally get out here in Florida.

What are you hoping to study in college?

I want to pursue aeronautical science — I want to be a pilot. I’ve always traveled — around the world and in the United States — and I got hooked on flying.

Who’s your role model?

Probably my dad, Sean Fitzpatrick. He is always dedicated to what he does, and he works hard no matter what. Even if he has stressful situations, he always is able to get through and push hard and is able to work together as a team.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Yes, Psalms 37:23-24. I was in 10th grade, and I had a medical issue and wasn’t able to play. That whole year, I was in and out of the hospital. So that verse really hits me hard, because it says God has your steps firm and planned out for you.