PARK'S A PRIME PROSPECT; EL CARISO JOB SHOULD HELP PROGRESS OF CSUN RECRUIT.

Byline: Ramona Shelburne Staff Writer

Judging from the way Julie Park began her golf career, it isn't surprising that she's taking the summer off. What is surprising is that she is missing the sport.

Park, a three-time City Section individual champion at Granada Hills High, began playing at her dad's insistence when she was 13 years old. Her sister had been the golfer in the family, but a wrist injury prematurely ended her career. Not wanting to waste the money he had invested in golf clubs, Park's father convinced Julie to take up the game.

Park soon developed a passion for the game. And it didn't hurt that she was talented.

With her father as coach, Park won the City Championship as a Granada Hills freshman with a 36-hole 169 at Griffith Parkwithin two years of picking up a club for the first time. The Highlanders captured three team titles in Park's four years at the school.

Park credited Granada Hills coach Joe White as key to her development.

``He encouraged me a lot and really helped me mentally,'' Park said. ``His encouragement gave me a lot of confidence. He's not a rah, rah kind of guy. He was just always there to support us.''

Park is preparing to play without White as a walk-on next year at Cal State Northridge. With her parents in Korea and money tight, she has been limited mostly to practices at the driving range.

But practice time will come. Park soon begins work at El Cariso Golf Course in Sylmar, where she will get free tee times in return for her services.

``I'm excited about college,'' Park said. ``It's going to be a new experience and I'm excited by the challenge.''

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Photo

PHOTO Granada Hills alumna Julie Park was pushed into the sport by her dad. Now she is pushing herself.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer