Today's interview is with Mexico Team Member, Carlos Ortiz. A senior at the University of North Texas, Carlos was recently named to the 2012 All-Sun Belt team for the third straight season. Earlier this month, Carlos and pairs partner, Sebastian Vazquez, won the team competition at the Mexican National Amateur in Guadalajara, where they represented Mexico

Carlos, what do you like most about college golf and playing for North Texas?

College golf has given the the opportunity to get to know people from all over the world and to play golf with some of the best amateurs and on great courses. I think that college golf is the best experience and preparation I can have for my goal: professional golf.

So, what are you studying and where do you see yourself after graduation?

I'm studying International Relations with a minor in Business. After graduation I see myself as a professional golfer.

Tell us when and where you started playing golf and who has influenced your game the most?

I started playing golf when I was 5 years old, with my Dad at our club and in my backyard. I started competing when I was seven.
My father has been the most influential person in my game. He has always been there for me; sacrificing a lot of things so I could pursue my dreams.

Following your dream is a powerful thing. What has been your top golf experience so far?

Traveling to lots of differenc countries and representing my country, Mexico, in important tournaments. And, also, being able to still play golf with my grandfather, who is 80 years old.

Out on the course, how do you remain focused and keep your tempo?

It's hard to do, but I follow a routine on every shot. I try to think positive and to think of where I want the ball to go. I try to focus on one shot at a time and not think on what I already did and on what lies ahead.

What kind of fitness regiment do you follow to stay conditioned and that particularly helps your golf game?

I stretch every day. Workout, practice every day, eat the best that I can and get good sleep.

You played on Team Mexico at the 2011 Spirit International. How was your tournament experience and what did you like most about The Spirit International?

It was a great experience. The course is one of the best courses I have ever played and we had lots of fun. The format was very different from what we are used to playing, and it was great to get to know some of the best amateur golfers from all over the world.

Your partner at The Spirit was Sebastian Vazquez. Describe Sebastian in three words.

Short, competitive and fun.

Your hometown is Jalisco, Mexico...tell us your favorite:

Food or Place to eat: Tacos

Golf Course: Guadalajara Country Club

Thing to do: Hang out with my friends, play golf and eat good food.

Place to go: Soccer stadium at a classic soccer game.

Sports Team: Chivas

If I could play any course in the world I'd play... Augusta National.

My dream foursome includes... Adam Scott, Rory McIlroy and Ricky Fowler.

When I'm on the golf course I feel... like this is the place where I belong.

What I love most about the game of golf is... that it resembles life: if it turns out to be a bad round you can't blame anyone for it but yourself and if it turns out to be a great round of golf, it was you who made it possible...that is life: what you make out of your life is only because of you, your failures and your successes...it's up to you.