Off the Green With Orla: How Golf Shapes Character and Resilience

For Zoe Shamy, golf has been more than just a sport—it’s been a transformative journey, shaping both her character and her approach to life. She has come a long way since starting her golfing career at age 8 during a First Tee summer camp, where she discovered her passion for the game. From feeling uncertain in her early days to now committing to the University of Tulsa, her story is a testament to resilience, growth and passion.


"Golf has taught me that I cannot always control my circumstances," Zoe shares. "Even the best golf shots can be rewarded with bad bounces. But it works both ways. Bad shots are just as often given good breaks. In both golf and life, I cannot completely control what is going on, but I can control how I react."


This mentality has served her well, both on and off the course. Zoe began her journey on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour with the Toptracer Prep Tour at age 11, where she developed her skills and earned the Prep Tour Player of the Year award in 2020. As she progressed to the more advanced Callaway Medalist Tour, she continued to demonstrate her growth by winning the Player of the Year award again in 2021. Through these experiences, Zoe learned the value of perseverance.


Though she admits she did not start taking golf seriously until she was 13, her steady improvement has led to an impressive list of achievements, including a scoring average of 73.9 over her last 18 rounds and consistently finishing in the top five of almost 70% of tournaments this year.


The road to success was not always smooth. Reflecting on her early challenges, Zoe admits; "When I first went to the Prep Tour, I struggled not having a partner to lean on. I was stuck between continuing to try or stopping altogether." 


During this time, Zoe began playing in U.S. Kids events where her dad was able to be by her side as a caddie, giving her the self confidence she needed too push forward.


"I didn’t feel so alone on the course. I got better and better, and eventually, I didn’t need my dad’s advice anymore. So, I went back to the Prep Tour and continued improving from there."


Zoe’s father remains a crucial figure in her life and golf journey. "My dad has always been my biggest supporter," she says. "He has invested a lot of time, money, and effort into improving my golf game, and I am forever grateful."


Zoe’s passion for the game is evident in how she maintains her drive and discipline. 


"I’ve always been very intrinsically motivated," explains Zoe, who spends her free time in the winter caddying at Seminole Golf Club. "Even on busy school days or when I’m not feeling great, I make sure to do something to stay productive. I’m not someone who can sit around all day and do nothing."


Beyond her own game, Zoe’s love for golf extends to helping others, specifically the First Tee Florida Gold Coast, where she now volunteers with the younger kids at the organization. 


"The First Tee gave me my start in golf. They instilled hard work, respect, and perseverance in me," she says. "I love seeing kids when they figure out how to hit the ball right and break milestones."


The lessons learned from her time at the First Tee allowed her to compete in two First Tee National Championships, where she placed 12th at Stanford in 2023 and 4th at Clemson in 2024.


Volunteering has not only allowed her to give back but also shaped her perspective on the game.


"It gives me patience," she reflects. "Even shots I may not love are still okay shots. I can work with them and still play great golf."



When Zoe is not on the course, she enjoys baking—specifically chocolate cake with vanilla frosting—and draws parallels between her passion for baking and her approach to life. "I actually wrote my college essay about baking," she shares. "The right balance of ingredients is comparable to how I balance golf, school, the gym, and friends. There’s no recipe for life, so I’m making mine as I go."


Zoe’s commitment to the University of Tulsa marks the next exciting chapter in her journey. 


"As a junior golfer, it was my dream to play Division I golf, and I’m so proud to have accomplished that goal," she says. "I know that Tulsa has the right combination of athletics and academics to give me the best opportunities post-graduate. I’m excited to meet the team and continue growing as both a golfer and a student."


Looking to the future, Zoe remains open to where her journey will take her. "After four years of college, I want to give myself the opportunity to play professional golf. If not, I’ll pursue a professional career, most likely in medicine."


Zoe Shamy’s story is one of dedication, resilience and passion. Whether on the golf course or in the classroom, she continues to strive for excellence, embracing both the highs and the challenges that come her way. With her sights set on the University of Tulsa and beyond, there’s no doubt she will continue to make her mark on and off the green.



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March 15, 2026
BOCA RATON, FL – Bento Assis of Porto Alegre, Brazil, and Lilly Parker of North Palm Beach earned division titles at the Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Medalist Tour event, held March 14–15, 2026 at Osprey Point Golf Course on the Falcon/Hawk Courses. 
February 24, 2026
“When you get an opportunity, take full advantage of it,” Tyler Nagy said. “If you're not taking advantage of every single opportunity that's given to you, then it’s a wasted opportunity.” That philosophy has guided Tyler Nagy since he was named the first recipient of the South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship in 2018. The scholarship gave him the chance to pursue his education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and focus fully on making the most of his college experience. A valedictorian at Sebastian River High School in Vero Beach, Florida, Nagy had already demonstrated a strong commitment to academics, athletics, and service. The son of PGA Member Bela Nagy, Director of Golf at Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida, he was a natural fit for the scholarship and arrived at Rollins in the fall of 2018, determined to seize every opportunity. Between 2018 and 2021, Nagy earned multiple undergraduate degrees, including a primary degree in mathematics, a secondary degree in public policy, and a minor in data analytics. He remained at Rollins to complete his Master of Business Administration, graduating in 2023 at the top of his class. He was equally committed on the field. A five-year member of the Rollins men’s soccer team, Nagy played in 63 matches and served as captain in his final season, helping lead the program to an Elite Eight appearance — just the third in school history. Off the field, he served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and worked as both a tutor and writing advisor. For Nagy, success meant going beyond the minimum. “I tried to do everything I could do academically and athletically,” he shared. “I never wanted to look back and wish I had worked harder.” Attending a private institution came with financial considerations, and Nagy acknowledges that without the South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship, institutional aid, and Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship, Rollins may not have been possible. “It was the difference between carrying debt for years and graduating from my undergrad debt-free,” he said. “It opened up an avenue that I never thought was there.” Today, Nagy is pursuing another graduate degree at the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, completing a master’s program in data science. The degree builds on his professional work in healthcare analytics, where he has advanced from his company’s first data analyst into a leadership role overseeing analytics strategy and decision-making. From scholarship recipient to graduate student and analytics leader, Nagy’s journey reflects the belief that opportunity only matters if you choose to embrace it.  Over the years, the South Florida PGA Foundation has supported nine students in their pursuit of higher education, and the program continues to grow. In 2026, the Foundation increased its scholarship to two $30,000 awards, annually impacting the lives of students in the community.
By Caitlin White February 23, 2026
VERO BEACH, FL – Martin Bustos, Ella Hrbata, and Maxence Le Theo earned division titles at the Srixon South Florida PGA Medalist Tour event, held February 21-22, 2026, at Sandridge Golf Club on the Dunes Course.
By Caitlin White February 8, 2026
BOYNTON BEACH, FL – Monssoh, Compton, and Widom earned division titles at the Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Medalist Tour event, held February 7–8, 2026, at The Links at Boynton Beach on the Champion Course.
By Chance Bressler January 19, 2026
BOYNTON BEACH, FL - Hogan Blais and Angela Nip crowned champions at the 2026 Srixon South Florida PGA Winter Kickoff held January 17-19 at Indian Spring Country Club on the East Course.
By Kelly Elbin January 16, 2026
For Cameron Young and Justin Thomas, whose strong pairing at the 2025 Ryder Cup was preceded by the special memories they gleaned from separate appearances in the Junior Ryder Cup, there was the opportunity to pay it forward to the young golfers of today. This winter, for 24 talented juniors, such largesse on behalf of Young and Thomas will provide them with a riveting competition that begins with the inaugural playing of the Cameron Young/Justin Thomas South Florida PGA Junior Tour Challenge Cup.  Captained by Young and Thomas, this two-day Ryder Cup-style event will feature two teams of 12 players each (eight boys and four girls), and will be held at Emerald Dunes Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. There will be 27 holes of team play on the first day -- 9 holes using the Four-Ball or Best-Ball format; 9 holes utilizing the Scramble format; and 9 holes of Modified Alternate Shot. Twelve 18-hole singles matches will be contested on the final day of competition. The first team to reach 12 1/2 points will claim the Junior Challenge Cup. "Both Justin and I are sons of PGA of America Professionals, so it's really important for us to give back to a new generation of kids," said Young, whose father, David, was the longtime PGA Head Professional at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Scarborough, New York. In the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup, Cameron Young contributed to a U.S. victory in Scotland. Last September, in his Ryder Cup debut, Young tied for the most individual points earned among the Americans, who fell short to the Europeans on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park in his home state. Cameron Young and Justin Thomas teamed to win one of their two matches at Bethpage, and both captured their singles matches in dramatic fashion on the last day of the matches. Thomas, a two-time winner of the PGA Championship, was on the victorious American side in the 2010 Junior Ryder Cup, also played in Scotland. As is the case with David Young helping shape his son's skills, Thomas has worked closely over the years with his father, PGA of America Professional Mike Thomas. Justin Thomas's late grandfather, Paul, also was a PGA Professional. "Cameron and I had such a great partnership together at the Ryder Cup, and we looked at what we could do with this incredible opportunity through the PGA of America," Thomas said. "With both of us having family associated with the PGA of America, this runs in our blood. I'm excited that Cameron and I can do this together." Building on Thomas’ remarks, leadership from the South Florida PGA emphasized the event’s significance for junior golf in the region. "The South Florida PGA is thrilled to announce this exciting, new event and our partnership with Cameron Young and Justin Thomas," said Eric Veilleux, President of the South Florida PGA and the PGA Director of Golf at The Bear's Club in Jupiter, Florida. "This will be a premier event in junior golf, offering an exciting and competitive playing opportunity for some of the most talented juniors in our Section." Renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio designed Emerald Dunes in 1990 and oversaw renovations to the par-72 layout that were completed in 2012. "We at Emerald Dunes are truly honored to host the inaugural Cameron Young/Justin Thomas South Florida PGA Junior Challenge Cup," said Lee Stroever, the PGA Director of Golf at Emerald Dunes Club and the South Florida PGA Junior Golf Committee Chairperson."We are thrilled to welcome the best juniors in the Section for an experience that they will hopefully long remember and cherish." Eager for the inaugural event, Thomas is both proud to have paid forward the types of competitive opportunities that once came his way as a junior golfer and respectful of the level of talent that will be on display at Emerald Dunes. "I look forward to watching," Thomas said, "and, I'm sure at some point, playing against a lot of these players down the road." Click here to view all criteria and more event details.
By Caitlin White December 19, 2025
West Palm Beach, FL - The Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour is proud to recognize three Medalist Tour members as the 2025 Players of the Year. Through consistent performances, impressive scoring, and success in some of the Tour’s premier events, these players set the standard for excellence throughout the season.
By Caitlin White December 16, 2025
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Corinne de Nigris of Palm Beach Gardens is the 2025 Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour Don Law Service Award recipient for her time and dedication to the South Florida PGA Junior Tour and Foundation.
By Caitlin White December 16, 2025
West Palm Beach, FL - Ed Ficker embodies the true spirit of sportsmanship. His attitude, demeanor, and unwavering dedication to the game of golf reflect the exceptional character that has defined his career. As the Head Golf Professional at Tequesta Country Club for 41 years, Ficker set the gold standard for professionalism, retiring in 2006 with numerous honors. Among his achievements, he received several prestigious South Florida PGA awards, served as Vice President and Director of the PGA of America, and was inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame in 2001.
By Chance Bressler December 8, 2025
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Matthew Marigliano, Jaime Baker, Lilly Parker, and William Lorberbaum, are crowned champions at the 2025 Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour Championship, held December 6-7 at The Park. The South Florida PGA Medalist Tour Championship is the final event of the 2025 season and is comprised of the Medalist Tour’s top players. Each spot was earned through a season-long qualifying process of Player of the Year Points. The number of qualifying spots was determined by the percentage of total Junior Members in each division. In the Boys 13-18 Division, Marigliano of Palm Beach Gardens fired a round one score of 3-under, trailing Xingrun Piao of Winter Garden by three strokes. Marigliano came back in round two with a 7-under round, and managed to seal the final championship of the 2025 season by two shots over Piao. The Girls 13-18 Division finished their final round in darkness. After round one, Parker of North Palm Beach and Jaime Baker of Lake Worth were neck-and-neck with Parker leading the event by one shot. In round two, Parker finished 1-over, while Baker finished even-par, forcing a playoff. After two playoff holes, Baker and Parker could not continue due to darkness, awarding both players the title of Champion. In the Boys 11-12 Division, Lorberbaum of Delray Beach was leading after round one with a 4-over par round, two shots over Gabriel Shabashkevich of Boca Raton. Lorberbaum managed to scrape by in round two, shooting 3-over and winning the championship by one stroke. Shabashkevich came in close for second place, winning a scorecard playoff over Simon Bustos of Palm Beach Gardens, both finishing with a total of 8-over. Special congratulations to the following end-of-season award winners:: 2025 Female Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award: Lilly Parker 2025 Male Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award: Ryan Toole 2025 Don Law Service Award: Corinne de Nigris Congratulations to our Division Players of the Year: Boys 13-18: Tristan Rhodenizer of Palm Beach Gardens (1,360.00 points) Girls 13-18: Lilly Parker of North Palm Beach (1,426.00 points) Boys 11-12: Simon Bustons of Chattanooga, Tennessee (1,310.00 points) The South Florida PGA Junior Tour wants to extend its thank you to Brian Conley, PGA General Manager, Cody Sinkler, PGA Director of Golf, and Clay Myers, PGA Head Golf Professional for their continued support of all levels of the Junior Tour. Without the continued support of the PGA Professionals in our section we would not be able to have 100+ event days, 6,575+ rounds played, and 1,250+ members. The SFPGA Junior Tour 2026 schedule will be released on December 9th, 2025 and 2026 membership registration will open on December 11th, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. Thank you to all players, spectators, and PGA Professionals for a great season and we look forward to resuming in the new year. Leaderboards | Event Photos | Social Media