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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