Getting To Know: Zak Karkaletsos
9/11/2020 2:00:00 PM | Men's Golf
DENTON - In an ongoing series, members of the UNT men's golf team will tell fans a bit about themselves, answering some questions about golf and some about off-the-wall topics. This week, we have sophomore Zak Karkaletsos, who tells us which FOOTBALL club he supports and has some hot music takes.
Q: How old were you when you started playing golf?
A: I was around 5 years old when I first touched a club.
Q: Why were you initially interested in playing golf?
A: My dad used to play every day. He was very passionate about golf and he was very keen to introduce me to the game. He would sometimes take me with him to the course to watch him and his friends play, and that inspired me in a way.
Q: Why did you keep playing golf? Was it just a matter of realizing you were pretty good or was it something more than that?
A: Well, my dad noticed pretty quickly that I had talent, and according to him, every now and again, I would randomly flush one! More importantly though, I remember being hooked on golf right from the start. I loved playing, and I couldn't wait to get out to the golf course and just start messing around with different shots.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the game?
A: Probably the life skills it teaches you. It teaches you to remain humble but to believe in yourself at all times. One day, it makes you feel like the best in the world, and the next day, it can bring you to your knees. To an outsider, that sounds incredibly frustrating (and it is!), but that's the very reason it's become so addictive.
Q: What is your favorite club in your bag?
A: Probably my putter or driver, mainly because those are my strengths.
Q: To whom do you attribute your athletic ability?
A: My dad was the person who taught me the basics of how to play (grip, set up, rhythm, etiquette, etc.) and he was the person who motivated me to improve the most, so I would probably say it was him. Although I would also have to mention my first ever coach, Camilo Lopez, who sadly is no longer with us. He was a big influence in the first few years.
Q: Did you grow up playing any other sports?
A: Without a doubt, that would have to be soccer. It pains me to call it soccer. In Europe it's football. It was between golf and soccer when I was growing up, and for one reason or another, I just decided I wanted to be a golfer. Soccer still forms a big part of my life. I love playing and I always follow it. I'm a massive Manchester United fan and matchdays are my favorite days.
Q: What position did you play in soccer?
A: I would always play center forward or midfield.
Q: What is your favorite golf memory?
A: Besides winning a few tournaments here and there, it would have to be reaching the last 16 in the British Boys Amateur Championship. It's in the top 5 junior events in the world, and it is equivalent to the British Open in the way it's set up. That was the tournament that gave me the confidence to know I could compete with the best.
Q: What is the best course you've ever played?
A: It would probably have to be Valderrama in South Spain, which held the Ryder Cup in 1997 and multiple European Tour events over the years.
Q: Do you have a nickname? And how did you get it?
A: This is a very funny story, actually. Back in January, we were playing in our first tournament at Pepperdine in Malibu, California. It was the final round when coach Stracke decided to caddie for me. He was very good friends with the announcer on the first tee, and they were having a normal conversation. The announcer then turns to me and asked how to pronounce my last name. I replied “Karkaletsos” in my British accent. I then added that in an American accent it would be pronounced as “Karkalet-sauce." He laughed and said to me, “You know what? I'm just going to call you ‘Sauce'!" We all started laughing. However, little did I know that he was being serious. So he announced, “On the tee, representing the University of North Texas, Zak ‘The Sauce’ Karkaletsos!" And from that point onward, the nickname, The Sauce, has kind of stuck.
Q: What is your favorite hobby when you're not playing golf?
A: I love playing ping pong with some of the other guys on the team. I also love watching English soccer.
Q: Why did you choose UNT?
A: I had a great feeling about working with coach Stracke. He was the coach who wanted me the most, and I was really excited about the practice facilities we have here. We're near Dallas, which is a great area, and overall, I knew it would be a great experience. So far, it's been brilliant!
Q: If you could have dinner with three people - dead or alive - who would it be?
A: Anyone from my family or any close friends.
Q: What is the best movie ever made?
A: Tough question. It would have to be between Forrest Gump and Shawshank Redemption, although there are many others, too.
Q: What is your favorite TV show on Netflix?
A: I only just recently got Netflix, but I really enjoyed Money Heist.
Q: How long did it take you to watch Tiger King?
A: Two or three days, haha.
Q: Who is your favorite band or musician?
A: I like a lot of different artists. I'm into most types of music: Modern pop, rock, rap, 80s, country, but if I had to pick an absolute favorite, it would have to be The Beatles.
Q: Who on the team has the best taste in music aside from yourself? Who has the worst?
A: The best is definitely Viktor Forslund. He actually has some culture and listens to music that isn't just post 2000s. As for the worst, anyone could win that “award.” Most of the guys just listen to music that was probably written in five seconds, however, the loser here is Robert Garcia. He has the ability to make my ears bleed.
Q: Are you a dog or cat person? Do you have any pets?
A: Definitely dogs. I have a French Bulldog called Phoebe. She's such a funny character.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: I like pretty much anything, but I always enjoy a simple/authentic Indian restaurant.
Q: If you were going to get a free dinner at any restaurant, where would you pick and why?
A: Pappadeaux's. I love the food there, but it isn't the cheapest.
Q: You have one day left on Earth. What's your last meal?
A: Steak with béarnaise sauce.
Q: Favorite type of dessert?
A: Cheesecake, without a doubt.
Q: What was the biggest adjustment for you coming to the United States and what has been your favorite thing so far about being here?
A: It's a completely different world to Europe. The culture, the habits, the people, the lifestyle … it's something totally different from home. At first, I struggled a little bit, but when I got to know the place, I really enjoyed it.
Q: Which of your teammates' home countries would you most like to visit and why?
A: That would definitely be New Zealand in their summer. It looks beautiful, and I've heard great things about it.
