Photo Credit: Golf Digest
0
0
The game of golf is hard to play. There are many people that are playing the game that say it is frustrating. I have been playing the game since the age of five. I have had rounds that have been great and I do not want to leave the golf course. There have also been days that I have thought about breaking all my clubs. Just to note, I would never do that. I just recently saw the professionals play the game and they make the game look so easy. I got to play with players at every level. It is fun to see the game of golf grow through the players or future players. Let’s take a look at individuals that have handicaps. For example, someone who has Down Syndrome. This is a condition that makes everyday life tough but to be able to play golf is outstanding.
This just happened recently with Amy Bockerstette. Bockerstette became the first person with Down Syndrome to play golf in the national college championship. The event took place in Ormond Beach, Florida. She plays for Paradise Valley Community College. The university is in Phoenix, Arizona. Bockerstette said she loves playing the game and loves playing with her teammates. We were first introduced to Bockerstette at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. She played a hole with U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland. She performed an up and down out of a bunker and made the putt. When Woodland won the U.S. Open he said he was thinking of her when he captures the title. What Woodland loved about her was her energy. That is a major factor when playing the game of golf. Woodland thought that she could be a player when it came to the game despite her condition.
The bond between Bockerstette and Woodland remains strong. He reached out to her before the start of the tournament she played in and wished her good luck. Woodland called Bockerstette a hero snd I agree with him. This is how, no matter, individuals that believe in their dreams and do what they need to fulfill them are great. Bockerstette, despite her condition, plays golf which she loves doing. What she is proving is no matter what your condition is do not let that stop you from doing things people tell you you cannot do. Bockerstette is an inspiration to everyone. Her parents are very proud of her and her accomplishments. I am hoping that her success continues for her in golf and in life. She has taken golf to a new level.
When I read and saw her with Gary Woodland it was so great. I hope she can help Paradise Valley Community College to a national championship one day which would be a great story. The game of golf is great no matter what level a player is at. When we see players like Bockerstette do things in the game of golf it is outstanding. The fact that she is playing college golf and loves playing with her teammates is great. Playing college golf is tough as well. Some college players do end up making it to professional golf tours. It would be cool to see Bockerstette play in a tour event. Either way, it awesome to see what she has done despite having Down Syndrome.
Author Profile
-
Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
Latest entries
SoftballFebruary 6, 2026Bulls Eye Oklahoma City: USF Softball Primed for a Historic 2026 Run
AAC FootballJanuary 31, 2026USF Football Adding New Players to Continue Success
BaseballJanuary 29, 2026University of Tampa Spartans look to Three Peat in 2026
MLBJanuary 23, 2026Rays Baseball: A Big Step Towards a New Stadium Deal
About the Author
