67°
Dr. Lukas Konandreas' athletic career made a U-turn 33 years ago when he completed his medical residency. Thats when the former soccer player turned to golfand today hes at the top of his game.
Konandreas, 66, was honored Monday by the Stamford Old Timers Association at its annual golf outing at E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course. Konandreas won the senior division of the Stamford Amateur Golf Championship last year, his first win after a number of tries in the event. He also won a Connecticut State Golf Association one-day tournament last year at Fairchild Wheeler and the senior division club championship at Brennan.
"If you're playing golf and the mentality is I'm going to kill it, it won't work,'' says Konandreas, an emergency internist at a facility on Bedford Street. "Golf is psychological. I think I've improved on that over the years. And just from naturally playing the game, I've gotten a lot better. I'm playing better than ever now."
Konandreas, a native of Greece, played soccer through college and medical school. He turned to golf after that, and picked it up quickly. He believes his soccer skills help his golf game.
"I have very strong legs because of soccer,'' Konandreas said. "Plus, I was always coordinated. That helps in golf."
The Old Timers honor a senior each year at their golf tournament, which began in the 1950s. Along with their scholarship dinner in June and dinner in December, the golf tournament is the organization's largest fund-raiser. The Stamford Old Timers support various community sports groups in addition to awarding scholarships to young athletes. The rain could not dampen the golfers' spirits or the enthusiasm of Konandreas as he enjoyed his day of recognition.
"It's an honor to be recognized by the Old Timers,'' he said. "Words cannot express what it means to receive this recognition from them."
Did you switch sports in your career? Start the discussion below!
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.
