MOSES LAKE - Ephrata's Andrew Whalen (17) has been named the 2011 Washington State Golf Association (WSGA) Junior Boys Player of the Year.

He earned the honors after a successful season on the links, making the semifinals in the Pacific Northwest Junior Boys Amateur, and the quarterfinals of the this year's U.S. Junior Boys Amateur held at the Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton. He was also a member of a foursome that finished fifth in the 2011 Junior Americas Cup.

Whalen is currently ranked 59th in the country by the American Junior Golf Association.

"Its (golf) been going pretty good for me lately," Whalen said. "I've been trying really hard to get ranked nationally and all my practice and playing has really paid off."

Whalen, who currently holds a 2 handicap, said he got the inspiration to take up golf at an early age from his dad.

"I been playing since I was 7 years old," he said. "My dad took me out one day and I got hooked and haven't stopped playing since."

The strongest part of his game, Whalen said, is from the tee to the green.

"I average just under 300 yards on my drives," he said. "My putting is not on the save level, but it'll get there."

One might think the pressure of playing for a national ranking at such a young age might have an adverse reaction on his approach to the game, but Whalen said he relishes the opportunity.

"I love this game because its such an individual sport and there is no one to blame but yourself if you don't play well," he said. "Golf is really a mental game, and the person who can control their emotions best, usually wins."

Whalen gets another chance to put his game and emotions on display when he participates in a tournament in Miami Tuesday, Dec. 20th.

"Its a long way from home, but I am looking forward to it," he said. "I have been to Florida to play in tournaments, but this time I'll be going by myself, so it will be a different experience altogether."

Whalen signed a National Letter of Intent Wednesday to attend Northwestern University.