Virgen: Hagestad ponders future

After the SCGA Amateur Championship ended on Sunday at Big Canyon Country Club, Stewart Hagestad talked about his next event.

But the U.S. Amateur Championship, Aug. 13-19 at Cherry Hills in Colorado, wasn't exactly the most pressing issue for him.

Hagestad, the Big Canyon member and Newport Beach resident, talked about his job after finishing tied for fourth at two-over-par 290, the lowest among locals in the SCGA Am.

Hagestad, an incoming senior at USC, was thinking about his internship. He's working at the Eastdil Secured satellite office in Irvine, where he's hoping to stay on with the real estate banking company.

"I'm sure they'll playfully tease me in the office," Hagestad said, referring to his finish.

He entered the final round three shots off eventual champion Bhavik Patel, and completed his worst round of the tournament, a 78. He went 70-73-69 in the first three rounds.

Maybe it was the quick reaction of disappointment about the round, but Hagestad said the internship was the most important task for him.

"I'm not turning pro after this so I have to do it," Hagestad said. "I want to finish the internship strong and I want the job after I'm done with school."

Hagestad said he loves golf now because it's still fun. When it isn't fun, he'll want to concentrate on a career, he said. He said he's heard the stories of young players seeking their PGA Tour card, living out of their cars and just doing enough to get by.

"Anyone who reads this, they might say 'quitter, you didn't want to give it a shot.' Well, cool. I've looked up to a lot of people in golf and amateur golf," Hagestad said. "It takes a lot to make it. Playing golf as a career would be a dream come true. But you look at the statistics. Not to sound cocky or full of myself, but I'm in the top level of amateurs. But the reality is in the world of great young golfers it might not be enough. Patrick Cantlay is a friend of mine. I wish him the best of luck. He is great and the thing is there are so many golfers like that."

Hagestad said he has discussed his future with his parents and is still thinking what to do. He said he will maybe go to qualifying school, "to check it out."

"If I have to play Bhavik again I don't know if I want to turn pro," Hagestad said in a playful tone. "I'm working on finishing my internship and looking forward to the football season."

Hagestad said he enjoyed playing the SCGA Am in front of his family and friends. Now it's back to work.

•