My name is Parker Laurent LaBarge, and I am currently in my first full year of professional golf. It is so cool that I am trying to live out my dream. It seems, as young boys, that many of us would like to be professional athletes when we grow up. Well, like most everybody else, I wanted to be a professional athlete. Although I did not know what sport I would play when I was older, I just knew I wanted to be professional at something. As the years passed and as the different sports dropped from my list, I stuck with the sport that I love the most--Golf. As a kid, I practiced and practiced dreaming of becoming a professional someday. I go to school, for what seems to be like a 100 years, and I continued to practice. I played high school golf at Chaminade College Preparatory, although I dedicated most of my time to my studies as I worked hard to achieve my goal of being Valedictorian of our graduating class. Due to my interest in school, I wanted to attend a highly ranked academic school, but I also wanted to play Division-I golf. With the two in mind, I was offered a scholarship to play collegiate golf at Rice University. I got my wish of attending a great academic school while also playing Division-I golf. I continued to keep practicing and working hard as I knew that once I graduated, I would try playing at the professional level. It is surreal to say that I am a professional golfer. Yes, I have really given everything to becoming and playing as a professional, but this would all not be possible without the support of my family. They have supported me from the beginning and have given me all the love, support, and resources necessary to achieve my dream. Also, my friends and, especially my girlfriend, have given me all of their support to carry out my dream. It is not easy dating a golfer due to our busy schedule and long trips. Yet, my girlfriend deals with the situation with the huge heart she has knowing that in the end, we love each other very much. With all these people in mind, I will continue to work extremely hard and I will continue to do whatever it takes to achieve my dream!
At the beginning of the year, I played at the Hooters Tour Ranking School. I finished 2nd, giving me full exempt status for the 2008 season. My best finish to date is a 2nd place finish in Miami, OK, shooting rounds of 64-68-67-62= 261, 27 under par. In the same event, I had my two career low rounds- 64 in the first round and 62 in the final round. My 62 was carded in the second 18 of a long 36 hole Sunday. It was the lowest score of the round by two shots. I have also played PGA and Nationwide Mondays to try my hand at qualifying for the big tours. I've been in two playoffs for Nationwide events. Unfortunately, I was not able to qualify. I must say, though, they were both great experiences and learn from them for the next time. I believe to be really close as I know you'll be watching me on TV soon.