“What the JGA has meant to me”
Golf has played a critical role in my growth over the years, and it could never have happened without the JGA and the GCJGF. These organizations have not only given me a platform to compete and grow as an athlete but have also shaped me as a person in ways that extend far beyond the golf course.
Life altering skills gifted by an encouraging community. Through the many Monday tournaments, I learned the importance of preparation, patience, and perseverance. These values have become the foundation of my outlook on sports, school, and my faith. Learning to deal with pressure and keep a cool head, even after a shank, proved to be lessons which extended into everyday challenges.
While there is no doubt that this is important, the truly exemplary aspect of JGA is its community. From the many volunteers and organizers to my competitors, there has always been a sense of kinship. No judgmental looks when you play a bad round or criticisms where they weren’t necessary, but rather the JGA has always been encouraging and kind whether your game is struggling or thriving. In my time with the JGA, I have made friends and formed bonds that I may never have made elsewhere. For a kid who once felt unsure in social situations, the JGA became a place where I could be myself without fear of judgment. This uplifting environment is something genuinely special that is rarely seen in other competitive spaces.
For these reasons and more, I will be forever thankful to the JGA for giving me a place to feel comfortable in speaking to kids my age and for building me in part into the man I am today.
Mason
