Golf:

When Sean Shahi questioned whether he should go forward, he needed only look to others for a motivational lift.

The former UC Irvine men’s golfer was content playing Monday qualifiers in hopes of sneaking into as many tournaments as possible. But his swing coach had different ideas.

Bob Lasken, an instructor based out of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, suggested Shahi compete for a spot on the Asian Tour. Lasken’s suggestion came last December. As of today, Shahi, 24, has his Asian Tour card, along with financial support from his father, Peter.

Shahi earned his Asian Tour card last month after qualifying in Thailand. It marked the first time Shahi, a three-year UCI golfer, set foot in the country.

When I spoke with Shahi by phone last week, he was en route to Los Angeles International Airport. He was headed for Taipei, Taiwan, then on to Bangkok, Thailand, to begin apartment hunting. When asked about the qualifying, his competitive nature emerged.

“I was disappointed I didn’t win the thing,” Shahi said. “I hate losing.”

He finished in a seven-way tie for 11th place, four shots more than winner Artemio Murakami, in the final stage of qualifying (70-70-67-72 – 279) at the Palm Hills & Springfield Village in Hua Hin, Thailand, on Jan. 16.

He said putting was most difficult and held him back. “I made a few mistakes here and there, but I didn’t let it get to me… “I have a place to play.”

Shahi anticipates playing in 15 to 16 tournaments later this year with the goal of returning to play on U.S. soil next year.

For the last two years, the top 65 players on the Asian Tour money list kept their cards for the following season. The number for this season will be determined by Tournament Players Committee members later this year, said Chuah Choo Chiang, the Asian Tour’s media director.

Shahi joined El Niguel Country Club in Laguna Niguel, seven months ago and spent a majority of practice time working on his short game. UCI men’s golf coach Paul Smolinski challenged Shahi to chipping and putting contests. Shahi said Smolinski won most of those, but those contests fueled Shahi’s work ethic.

Shahi has also worked on his fitness. He’s down to 195 pounds from 235 pounds at graduation last year. He spends two hours at the gym and tries playing “every sport.”

“It’s nice to see someone who puts in the work be rewarded,” Smolinski said. “He could always hit it. He’s a good ball striker and hits straight shots and is a much better wedge player. He’s come a long ways. He’s developed all aspects of his game and is capable of playing at a high level.”

Shahi led UCI in both greens in regulation (78%) and fairways hit (83%) for 2008-09. His 72.26 scoring average was second on the team to current senior John Chin, the defending two-time Big West Conference Player of the Year.

Shahi started playing golf about 7 or 8 years old. He said he was a late bloomer. During his junior year at Aliso Niguel High, Peter Shahi took his son around the U.S. to play in junior national tournaments. Sean spent one year at Irvine Valley College before coming to UCI, his top choice.

“I always wanted to go to UCI,” Shahi said. “It’s close to dad and Bob [Lasken].”

He also received a full scholarship.

Shahi said he might return to school to earn a minor. For now, he’ll prepare for the Asian Tour, and finding a place to live.

BRYCE ALDERTON’S golf column appears Wednesdays. He may be reached by e-mail at balderto78@yahoo.com.