By C. MacDonald

Remember the name, "Adam Frey." He has the drive, the passion, the positive attitude, and is developing the skills that may one day make him a household name, along with Palmer, Nicklaus and Woods. He's working hard to earn that fame, and that's the way it should be because he will appreciate his success even more.

The humble, focused Long Beach resident really appreciates those who are helping him achieve his dream. He is the first pro golfer Starbucks is sponsoring in its Elite Athlete Assistance Program. The energetic 26-year-old, who manages a Starbucks in Southern California, is well on his way. He recently was selected to showcase his golf skills in a commercial filmed at Desert Princess Country Club for Fourteen Golf, a company known for its high-performance wedges and other clubs.

His parents, siblings and wife, Jill, have been encouraging and supporting him every step of the way. She even packs lunches, feeds him motivational quotes, lifts him up when he's down and tapes his swings so he can improve. The likeable athlete began his golf career at 11, when his dad put a cut-down driver, with a masking tape grip, in his hands. Adam spent many hours joyfully hitting golf balls at a nearby school. His constant drive for improvement helped him excel in golf at Cypress High School and Cypress College, where he received MVP honors, and earned a full tuition scholarship to California State University-Bakersfield, where he excelled on the golf team and earned a BS degree in Business Administration-Marketing. He turned pro after graduation and is looking forward to competing in the 2013 Golden State Tour. SeeCalifornia.com wanted to find out more about this amazing young professional athlete, so here's "Q&A with Adam Frey."

WHY DO YOU LIKE GOLF?

I like the challenge of the game; how it makes you persevere; the dedication its takes to succeed; the feeling of hitting the shot you planned and the sound the ball makes when it hits the bottom of the hole. I love knowing that no matter how much time and effort you spend practicing and preparing, the game owes you nothing. I love the competition, the values, the traditions and the respect this game has to offer.

WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF YOUR GAME?

My Driving Accuracy and Short Game.

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO IMPROVE?

Always practicing with a purpose and a goal in mind; improving by competing in events and learning from my previous mistakes.

HAVE YOU RECEIVED ADVICE FROM PROS ON THE PGA TOUR?

Yes. Jonathan Byrd, Lee Janzen and Jeff Gove told me to Never Give Up; Stay in the Moment; Work Hard and Always be Respectful to the Course and other Competitors.

WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE ANYONE GAVE YOU?

To let the previous hole go because it's over and done with. Take a deep breath, re-focus and just play. This came from my friend Garrett Sapp (OneAsia and Canadian Tour Player)

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE A GOLF PRO?

Practice. Practice. Practice. Short Game, 70%; Range, 30%

WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE PGA GOLFER TO WATCH AND WHY?

Tiger Woods. He displays confidence 100% of the time and no matter what, he never gives up. His focus and determination to succeed and win are unmatched.

WHAT OTHER SPORTS DO YOU PLAY?

I have always been very active and athletic. I most recently played competitive ice hockey.

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT PLAYING ON THE 2013 GOLDEN STATE TOUR?

I am excited to compete and continue to elevate my game at the professional level. It is going to provide me with the necessary experience so I am ready to compete in bigger events in the future.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL ON THE TOUR?

To finish well on the money list, earn exemptions for other golfing events and create other opportunities.

WHAT'S GREAT ABOUT PLAYING GOLF IN CALIFORNIA?

The year-round weather to play in.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TWO COURSES IN CALIFORNIA?

First, Santa Maria Country Club. The layout is very old school, with many trees and the smell of eucalyptus. It rewards an accurate driver. I shot one of my best rounds there--8 under par 64 and went on to win a three day tournament at 12 under par. My second favorite course is Bakersfield Country Club because of the challenging layout and superb greens. It plays longer and harder than expected.

ARE THERE CERTAIN FOODS YOU EAT WHILE PLAYING IN A TOURNAMENT?

I am known as "Snack Packs" on the course. I always have snacks in my bag. I think of it like this: a car needs its fuel to run and so do humans. I eat granola bars and fruit snacks to keep my energy level up so I can remain focused. My favorite drink while playing is water but on extremely hot days, it's a must to drink either Powerade or Gatorade to keep hydrated.

Sound advice from a nice guy with a sweet swing, who's definitely going places in the golf world. Be sure to remember his name, "Adam Frey." If you would like to join Starbucks as one of his sponsors or learn more about him, you can contact Adam at AdamFrey24@gmail.com or call him at 714-767-5535. SeeCalifornia.com will be following his success as he competes on the Golden State Tour throughout 2013. We wish him the best of luck and may a hole-in-one be in his future. The Golden State Tour kicks off, Jan. 21-24 at Barona Creek GC, Lakeside, Ca.)