Sixty-two is not just a number for Michael Ostrower anymore.
The 16-year-old Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School varsity golfer had “one of the best moments of [his] life” when he shot a 62 at Bethpage State Park Golf Course Ton July 20, a Metropolitan PGA record.
“I think my future is pretty bright,” Ostrower told The Post recently after shooting the superb round on Bethpage’s Green Course.
“That 62 raised the bar.”
Ostrower, an Upper East Side native, has always dreamt of attending an Ivy League school.
It may have only been one round of golf, but the milestone showed the high school junior that his dream could become a reality.
“I proved to myself and everyone that has helped me in my life that I can do this,” Ostrower said.
The Green Course is one of five at Bethpage. The famous Black Course has hosted several majors recently. What exactly goes into a 62 at Bethpage? Ten birdies, seven pars and one bogey, to be exact.
“Everything just worked,” Ostrower, who had never played at Bethpage prior said. “I just stayed in the moment. As the round progressed, kids started making jokes, but I tried to focus on just playing golf.”
It also required a strong support system that has always put Ostrower first. His father Steven – president of a cosmetic packaging company – is Michael’s biggest fan, making stops at the golf store after work, regripping clubs on a day’s notice and taking Michael to play golf almost every day.
His mother Melissa – an attorney – has helped Michael become an A-minus student in school and his sister Jacqueline – an 18-year-old incoming freshman at Boston University – is Michael’s “best friend.”
“Without the support of my family, I would not be where I am today,” Michael Ostrower said.
The Ostrowers attend Old Westbury Golf & Country Club, where children are not allowed on the golf course until the afternoon. Growing up during the summers, Steven went to the gym in the morning and dropped his son off at the driving range. Ostrower spent hours playing mental games with himself, perfecting his shot as he waited for his tee-time later in the day.
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“I used to really enjoy that,” Ostrower said. “Those mornings helped me love golf.”
Ostrower – who started playing golf when he was five years old – has been on the varsity golf team since middle school. His teammates called the seventh-grader “little boy” – he is now over six feet tall – but when Ostrower started leading his team to victory, the nickname was dropped.
This summer, Ostrower is volunteering at Mosholu Golf course – helping underprivileged youth in the Bronx – as he prepares for his senior year and second season as captain. On top of going to an Ivy League school, Ostrower would love to embark on a life as a professional golfer.
“Anything is possible,” Ostrower said. “The biggest thing for me is trying to do something in the future I love and enjoy. And I do love and enjoy golf. The idea of getting paid to play golf is wonderful.”
Ostrower is one step closer to making it happen. All because of his magic number: 62.
“When he hit that 62, I was speechless,” Steven Ostrower told The Post Thursday evening. “When I see him beat kids who are significantly older, I am speechless. I am absolutely in awe of him. I always believe in this kid because I know how talented he is. He has a strong competitive spirit and relentless drive to win. He is perfect.”