Doug Fortner leads the Irish into 2010 BIG EAST Championship play.

On The Clock With Doug Fortner

March 4, 2010

Doug Fortner, a senior on the Fighting Irish golf team, has been performing well on the green since his rookie season. The Tustin, Calif. native returns as one of three all-conference selections for the Irish in 2009-10. His nine team-leading efforts are tied for 11th in school history, and he hopes to continue that success this season. Fortner sat down with UND.com to tell us a little more about himself.

1) What do you miss most about your hometown?
The Pacific Ocean and La Sirena Grill.

2) How did you originally begin playing golf?
When I was two years old, my dad gave me a set of plastic clubs for my birthday and the rest is history.

3) Who is your biggest role model?
My mother and father for their inspiring love and endearing support.

4) What is your favorite course to compete at?
The Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame.

5) What is your major and why did you choose it?
I’m studying accounting, because I find it intellectually stimulating.

6) If you could compete against any professional golfer, who would it be and why?
I want to compete against Tiger Woods. You can’t be the best if you can’t beat the best.

7) What is your favorite place on Notre Dame’s campus?
Siegfried 422.

8) What is the hardest part about being a student-athlete?
Managing your time and picking your friends.

9) What are some of your other hobbies?
Reading novels, playing disc golf, and listening to Bloc Party.

10) Where do you imagine yourself 10 years from now?
Maybe married and maybe kids, but who really knows?

11) What are your goals for this season?
Medal at the BIG EAST Championship, win the NCAA Central Regional, and qualify for match play at the NCAA Finals.

12) What are three words that describe you?
Simple, complicated, happy.

13) What is your favorite place in the world?
Peter’s Canyon at dusk.

14) What is your most memorable athletic achievement?
Making a hole-in-one in my first-ever collegiate event.

15) What is your favorite food?
Avocado with salt and pepper.

16) If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Ernest Hemingway — his life perspective interests me.

17) What do you plan to do after graduation?
Move back home with my parents and play golf professionally.

18) Describe a perfect day of golf through your eyes.
Nothing exciting; every time I tee it up is the perfect day.

19) What prompted you to attend Notre Dame?
My beautiful teammates and the beautiful weather.

20) What is your favorite part about golfing for the Fighting Irish?
Traveling across the country and playing some of the best courses in the world.

— ND —