Johnny Bush, varsity golfer
“Johnny, a junior at Cranford High School, has been our No. 1 player for the past three seasons and this year he has led our team to a 12-2 record, as of May 12. This year, he has recorded the lowest nine-hole season average ever at Cranford High School — 36.3. He won the Union County Conference Tournament at Galloping Hill Golf Course on April 30, with a three over par score, and shot a 76 in the Union County Interscholastic Athletic Conference at Echo Lake Country Club to finish third. He also led our team to fourth place finishes in the 18 team Blue Devil Invitational and the UCIAC Tournament.” — Coach Bill Ray
When did you first start playing golf?
“I’ve kind of always played my whole life, but around seventh grade, I stopped playing baseball and started playing golf.”
What are your biggest challenges?
“Golf is one of the most difficult games, because you never know what you’re going to get. You’ve got to be able to handle the ups and downs.”
What goes through your mind when you’re about to tee off?
“I think ‘one shot at a time.’ It’s what works best.”
How do you bond with your teammates?
“We talk golf and try to root each other on. It’s very individual, so it’s an interesting team sport.”
What’s your best memory out on the links?
“I made holes-in-one two weeks apart with my 75-year-old grandmother. She was playing. We’re a golfing family.”
Who are your role models? And why?
“My dad and my uncle are the two guys I look up to the most. My dad has always encouraged me to do what makes me happy. My uncle has always been really supportive as well.”
Are you involved with any other activities in school or the community?
“I volunteer for a special-needs talent show, ‘Shining Stars.’ I really enjoy being with the kids.”
Do you have any plans for the summer?
“A lot of golf, a lot of tournaments. I’m being actively recruited.”
What’s one thing people would be surprised to hear about you?
“About five days before I won the Conference tournament, I considered quitting the game, because I wasn’t enjoying the game. But I took some of the pressure off and just enjoyed playing golf.”
Do you have any pre-tournament rituals?
“The night before, I like to watch a good Marvel movie.”
If you could have one superpower for one day, what would it be and how come?
“To be able to read anybody’s mind. I think that would be great, to be in someone’s head.”