Senior Jonas Blixt has been a catalyst for the up-and-coming Florida State men's golf team over the past four years. In 2007, Blixt led the Seminoles to their first NCAA Championship finals appearance since 1996. The defending ACC individual champion and All-America candidate has an international resume as well, including a European boys title in 2001 and a Swedish national stroke championship title in 2003. Blixt took a few minutes to chat with theACC.com about his success and expectations heading into the 2008 ACC Men's Golf Championship.
When did you start playing golf?
When I was six or so. My dad took me out to the golf course and taught me how to play.
What other teams have you competed on leading up to your college career?
I played for the Swedish national team. I got on the team in 2000, and have played a lot of international tournaments in other countries. The highlight was when we won the European championship as a team in 2001. It's been a lot of fun. On the international level, you never know who you're going to play.
What is the best advice you have received from a coach?
Just stay patient because everything's going to happen. If you commit to trying to do the best you can do, things will come to you.
Who is your most influential role model?
My mom because she's a hard worker. She tries to treat people all the same way, tries to make the best out of the day and is just a great person to everybody.
What is your most memorable moment in sports, either as an athlete or as a sports fan?
I'll say when we won the first tournament as a team (since 1998) here at Florida State (this past September). When I got here, we weren't even close to winning anything. We finished in the bottom of the field at tournaments. (Now) I've been here for four years and tried to improve every day and we've gotten some (good) players in. It's a great feeling to compete every day and finally get some reward for it and know we're heading in the right direction.
What is your greatest accomplishment personally as an athlete?
The one I always think of is winning the Swedish national stroke championship in 2003. It was just the finish I had - I finished with four birdies. It didn't look like I would win before, but I did it in the clutch and won.
What do you still hope to accomplish?
I hope we win the ACC and NCAA Tournaments. We need five players to play well and a little luck.
What is it like playing in a conference like the ACC?
It's great, it pushes you every day. It makes you become a better player.
How do you feel going into the ACC Championship as the defending individual medalist?
It was a great thing to win it last year. That was one of the best things I've done, especially collegiate-wise, but I don't feel any different. I know it's a special tournament and we really want to win it. I think that the course fits me well and that we can do well, and I'd love to win it again.
Why did you choose Florida State?
The weather, the people, the facilities...
Can you talk about your transition to the United States from Sweden?
It was really hard in the beginning, a lot harder than I thought. Everything from food to how to act in public to what kind of jokes you can tell. It's a lot different and takes a lot of time to get used to.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Hopefully play in the (NCAA) regionals, and then I'm turning pro.
Is there anything in particular you're taking away from your Florida State career?
A good degree and I know a lot more about the world of business now than when I got here. I had no clue about any(thing) business-related. I don't know what I'm going to do with it, but it's a good degree and I learned a lot.
Jonas Blixt and the Seminoles have taken to the course at Uwharrie Point in New London, N.C., for the 2008 ACC Men's Golf Championship. Coverage of the championship is provided on ACC Select.
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