Tyson Turnbow finished third in the Class 2A state tennis tournament.

Tyson Turbow was a busy young man last month at the Texas high school state championships.

The Muleshoe senior qualified for state in tennis and golf.

Turnbow sandwiched two tennis matches around a round of golf — in 90º-plus heat in Austin — on the first day. He shot a 4-over 75 to the first-round lead, but lost his semifinal tennis match later that evening. The next day, with no tennis to attend, Turnbow shot 73 to win Muleshoe’s first state golf title.

You and your coach, Carey Sudduth devised a plan for the golf course at state (par-71, 6,819 yards) that involved leaving the driver in the bag most of the tournament and hitting irons off tees. How hard was it to not reach for the driver?

It really wasn’t too tough leaving the driver in the bag. I was hitting my irons well so I felt comfortable having longer approach shots into the greens. We developed a plan in the practice round so I just followed it, and it led me to victory.

What was the hardest part that first day at state when you played two tennis matches and a round of golf?

I knew going into the day that it was going to be tough, but I also knew that it was going to be fun. Not very many people have the chance to compete in both events so I just tried to soak it all in. I played a tennis match that morning around 6:45, finished and teed off at 9:55. Following the round of golf, we drove to the Lakeway tennis center about 45 minutes away and I played the second tennis match. I drank plenty of fluids and was trying to eat as many carbs as I could to stay hydrated and energized.

Your mother, then Shelly Dunham, won a state discus title. What’s it like to add another state trophy to the family’s collection?

It feels great to be able to experience the same achievement that she experienced when she was in high school.

Winning a state title in a town the size of Muleshoe makes you a pretty popular guy? What’s that been like?

It’s been great. I was greeted with a parade when we drove back into town. Police cars, ambulances and fire trucks all escorted us through town and to the school where I was welcomed and congratulated by several people.

How old were you when you picked up your first golf club? What was it?

It was at the age of 2 when I first picked up some plastic clubs. I began playing in tournaments at the age of 5, and have loved to compete against the course and other golfers ever since then.

You played a lot of golf with your family growing up — Tyson’s brother Trevor Turnbow was good enough to play at Lubbock Christian University. What were those outings like?

Our family has gone out to the golf course on several occasions. My brother and I are very competitive. Neither one of us like to lose at anything, so we take that competitive nature to the course with us.

How many hole-in-ones do you have? Tell us about your first?

I have two hole in ones. My first one was at Lakeridge golf course in Lubbock. I was 8 years old and they had us teeing of about 80 yards from the green.

Which pro golfers would join you for your dream foursome and where would you play?

Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, Jack Nicklaus and Adam Scott at Augusta National.

You seem like a busy guy. What do you do to relax?

I like to hang out with friends and family, play a little PlayStation, and maybe some basketball.

What is your favorite club to hit?

I like to hit my 2-iron often off tee boxes. I feel comfortable with that club and have confidence swinging it.

What is the one shot you’ll always remember from state?

Second hole of the second day, I hooked my second shot into the trees on the left and ended up taking an eight on the hole. I will always remember that shot because I never hit another shot the rest of the day before I was ready and without full concentration. I played the next 16 holes even par.

Who was the first person you called or texted after you won state?

I had nearly 40 friends and family there watching me play at Austin, so I didn’t really call anyone after, they all already knew. I did call my swing coach in Lubbock, Jesse Blackwelder, and let him know the good news.

What do you think of your accomplishment of reaching state in tennis and golf in the same year?

It was pretty awesome. I am just blessed with the ability that God gave me and enjoyed being able to portray that talent down at Austin.

How many hours per week during the season did you spend practicing tennis and how many hours per week golf?

I would say about 10 hours of golf and around 5 hours of tennis.

What are your future golf plans?

I am going to play golf at Midland College for one year then I am looking at transferring to Texas Tech and playing golf there.

What are your career plans outside of golf?

I am going to major in landscape architecture, enter the field of golf course designing and become successful in whatever God has planned for me.

— Compiled by Rick White