PHS senior Donavin Sanchez hopes to continue his golfing career next year at either New Mexico State or Western New Mexico.

Portales senior Donavin Sanchez has been playing golf since he was little. Golf coach Andy Correll has known Sanchez since his dad used to bring him out to the course to play years ago.

“I’ve known him and Will Archibeque since they were four or five,” Correll said. “The club was bigger than they were. They would swing for the fences. I knew Sanchez was very a good golf player and has talent”

On Tuesday Sanchez medaled at the Ocotillo Golf Course at Hobbs. He had the lowest round score with a 72.

Following dad: Sanchez got interested in playing golf through his dad Martin when they played up in Clovis. Sanchez said he enjoys golf and he has played ever since he was little, and hopes to be a professional golfer someday, but he has to go through college first.

College prospects: “Right now, I’m looking at going to Western New Mexico and New Mexico State,” Sanchez said. “Those are the two I’m most interested in.”

Sanchez likes to hang out, but there really is not much to do in Portales. Sanchez said that has been the one thing that has helped him with his golf game.

Coach says: “They (Archibeque and Correll) would come out and hit buckets of balls, so I would watch them,” Correll said. “I got to know them through that and their high school career.

“He has some colleges looking at him. He definitely has potential to play at the next level.”

Dreams: Sanchez would like to play at Sawgrass and some day in the Master’s Tournament.

“I’m out here every day practicing,” Sanchez said. “That’s what it takes.”

GETTING PERSONAL
Favorite food: Steak.
Favorite golf memory: “I had a playoff in Lovington against a guy from Lovington,” Sanchez said. “I made a 10-foot putt on the first playoff hole to tie it up and advanced to the next playoff hole. I ended beating him on that hole.”