By Jennifer M. Larkin, Special Writer
MONROE — An 11-year-old Monroe Township Middle School student has the drive to lead, especially with a driver.
”(My golf game) is always a work in progress,” said Waheed Zafar. “It has no stops, it just keeps on going.”
Waheed ranked as one of the top three US Kids Golf Tour players in New Jersey in 2005, according to his father, Mr. Farrukh Zafar.
His interest in golf began when he was 3-years-old, with a basic swing in his backyard, Mr. Zafar said.
PGA golf pro Rick Bitchsel took Waheed under his wing at the Applegarth Golf Club after meeting him at a driving range in Monroe, and his golf game matured, according to Mr. Zafar.
”Mr. Bitchsel helped Waheed develop the proper technical swing, as well as his behavior on the course. Playing golf has given Waheed a sense of self and integrity,” Mr. Zafar said. “The technical understanding he has learned on the course has given him a deeper understanding of strategy and course management. The whole package as to the way in which he behaves on the course.”
Waheed said that when it comes to golf, his asset is his long game.
”I throw mostly in that area, clubs that hit the furthest,” Waheed said. “It is a sport I excel at and I enjoy playing it. It is fun.”
Waheed has been learning the fundamentals of life, not just the details of the swing, according to Mr. Zafar.
Mr. Zafar said Waheed practices every Saturday and Sunday at the Clearbrook Golf Course in Applegarth for 4-5 hours at a time, and as he becomes stronger, his game evolves.
To illustrate his talent, Waheed clears nine holes in less than two hours, averaging a 40, according to Mr. Zafar.
Despite the obvious talent at such a young age, Waheed does not have professional aspirations.
”Hhis skill level is a training for life and an on going journey that builds solid character and necessary building blocks,” Mr. Zafar said.
”My inspiration is Tiger Woods because his charisma and his game come together,” Waheed said.
The same can be said for this 11-year-old- aspiring leader whose mission is to, “play a leadership role, achieve a law degree, and become a U.S. Senator in order to make things happen,” said Waheed.
With a thorough understanding of the examples leaders set, he would like to serve as mentor and give back to the community in any way he can.
”My goal is to achieve a leadership role in the Monroe Township High School Golf Team,” said Waheed.
Another way he is working towards meeting that goal is by complementing his golf game with martial arts.
”Both sports are building blocks,” Mr. Zafar said. “Golf is a nuance game and martial arts is a sport that mimics its qualifiers and also teaches self confidence over time.”
Waheed has been practicing martial arts for as long as he has been on the course.
Since he was 4-years-old, he wanted to be as strong as the Power Rangers, according to Waheed.
He was the youngest in his martial arts class to achieve a first-degree black belt at the age of 8, according to Mr. Zafar.
”We are very proud of our children. They are exceptionally focused and mature for their ages,” Mr. Zafar said.
With a multi-style combination focus, Waheed studies his martial arts philosophy at Master Tom Bryan’s Karate Academy of Martial Arts in the Twin Rivers section of East Windsor.
”It’s a lesson in humanity,” said Master Tom Bryan.
Mr. Bryan said he has been in business for more than 25 years, and his experience with students has shown him that “anything they want to do, they simply can, if they set their minds to it.”
Having just received his second-degree black belt, Waheed has also learned the right values and respect for others, according to Mr. Zafar.
”It’s about setting and achieving short and long term goals, as well as the peace of the mind that comes with his ability to defend himself if need be,” Mr. Zafar said.
Waheed’s activities are about broadening education, according to Mr. Zafar. Waheed is also part of the student council, he has played saxophone, is training in piano, and is an accomplished public speaker, according to Mr. Zafar.
”It’s not all about academics. Leaders inspire,” Mr. Zafar said. “The broad exposure is what mobilizes people.”
