Tiger Woods Foundation

They always said that we are a family, and that has been true from my first year, entering in a banquet hall not knowing anyone and leaving being part of a team, to my fourth year, when I was the one trying to make the newcomers feel welcome. My favorite aspect of being on the TWNJGT is the random memories that I have made with my teammates over the years -- be they walking to the gas station near our hotel to get ice cream, going to Sea World with teammates that lived across the country, or going back out onto the course after my round to cheer on my teammates. Some of my fondest memories of my junior golf career have been through the Tiger Woods Foundation National Junior Golf Team. It provides an experience that few golfers get to have through their careers -- one I have been fortunate enough to have been a part of for four years. I would strongly encourage any junior golfer who wants to be part of something bigger than themselves to apply for the team.

I honestly was a bit afraid being the new member to the team in 2008, and I didn't know if I could fit in that well. However, it didn't take long for me to meet and become friends with my fellow teammates at Junior World. I think that's what's so great about the members of the Tiger Woods Foundation National Junior Golf Team. Besides the fact that they are proven student-athletes, I discovered that they are, simply, role models for their peers. During the first meeting, I remember just sitting and listening in awe to many of the members, who, not to mention, are much younger than I am, talking about their community-service projects that they have done in the past year. From holding junior golf clinics to weaving baskets for third-world countries, they amazed me for how authentically they cared about just doing what they can to make a difference for others. I am proud to be part of such a special family that inspires students to enjoy giving back to those who appreciate that extra hand.

It was a great experience being a member of the Tiger Woods Foundation National Junior Golf Team because I don't usually get to play golf with anyone other than my sister. I don't have any other friends at school or in my community who play golf, so it is nice to finally meet other young people who understand and play golf. I also love wearing the TWF uniforms to golf tournaments because people are always interested in knowing more about me and how I was so fortunate to be a member of the team.

It is awesome to be a part of a team in a sport that can be lonely at times. I love to make new friends, but it is hard to do in golf because there isn't much time to talk. The Tiger Woods Foundation Team has helped me make "golf friends" who I look forward to seeing at different tournaments. Having "golf friends" makes serious competition fun!