A dad rushing from work with just five minutes to spare, his son Rhett joyously grinning and waving when he spotted him waving in the crowd.
Another dad crying at the sight of his son’s elation at watching his first professional golf tournament.
A mom remarking about her daughter Ziva’s newfound desire to work in golf after attending––inspired by the “walkie talkie people” making things happen onsite.
When interviewed for a local segment with WHAS11 News, many participants shared how their family members got them into the game, and why PGA Jr. League has taken that to the next level with a unique way to connect to others.
Branson Hunter and Griffin Henry said that their moms helped them get into golf. Griffin says his mom has a video of Griffin swinging his first golf club as a baby. Both agreed that the PGA Junior League Program has given them a fun way to connect and not just connect with the game, connect with their teammates too.
"When you first start, you’re kind of nervous and then as you play you get used to it and then you get practices, and you meet new friends. That's what's fun,” Griffin Henry said.
Other players talked about the ways PGA Jr. League helps them off the course.
“It just helps a lot because if I'm hitting a tough shot, and I have a tough grade or something, I just try to deal with it like I would at golf. I just go to the next step,” Lexi Littlefield said.
When Xander Shauffele hoisted the Wanamaker Trophy on the 18th green, local PGA Jr. League players Emerson Andretta, Ziva Aremu, Reese Barnett, Michel Elias and Rhett Steele were there to share the stage.
Aubree Piascik––whose father, John, is PGA of America Member––joined Low Club Professional Braden Shattuck to receive his honors.
These PGA Jr. League players were joined by local Veterans representing PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and PGA WORKS Fellows. PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE and PGA WORKS are all pillars of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, with a mission to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf.
