Golf has profoundly shaped my life, as an athlete, student, and community member, teaching me discipline, focus, and the value of building meaningful connections. My first golf coach, Randy Taylor, ignited my passion for the sport through his enthusiasm, mentorship, and belief in my potential. As two African Americans in a field where people of color represent less than 1% of PGA professionals, he showed me how perseverance and leadership can open doors for others. Inspired by his example, I have committed myself to pursuing a career as a PGA professional who helps expand the game’s accessibility and inclusivity. Beyond personal development, golf has become a way for me to give back to others. Through leading the Bridge Golf Harlem Program as a positive student-athlete role model, I have learned that golf is not just a sport, but a platform for growth, confidence, and connection. As a more experienced golfer, guiding peers on technique, and fostering respect for the game’s traditions has allowed me to experience the immense satisfaction of mentorship. I’ve discovered that leadership isn’t simply about excelling individually; it’s about helping others unlock their potential and embody the values that golf teaches—integrity, patience, and perseverance. Similarly, volunteering with the First Tee of Metropolitan New York as a Junior Golf Instructor allowed me to cultivate young players’ passion for the sport while refining my own communication and teaching skills. Being part of an environment that emphasizes character as much as skill has shown me how meaningful it can be to influence lives through golf. The relationships I’ve formed through these programs continue to inspire me to contribute to the game at every level, just as others have done for me. Golf has become much more than a sport; it serves as a foundation for my academic and professional ambitions. Currently, I am majoring in Professional Golf Management at Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, combining my athletic interests with business and leadership development. This program enables me to explore golf through the lenses of sport, profession, and lifelong education, while preparing me to advance into a PGA-oriented career that balances competitive excellence with community impact. My goal is to mentor others through golf and demonstrate that the game can be both personally transformative and socially unifying. In learning about Samuel D. Hartley, I see a legacy that resonates deeply with my own purpose. His life, marked by dedicated service in the Air Force, impactful professional work, and lifelong devotion to golf, embodies the qualities I strive to emulate. Mr. Hartley demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and the game itself; however, his passion continued well beyond the course. I am particularly moved by how he used his skills and opportunities to uplift others, reflecting the same spirit of integrity and perseverance that golf has instilled in me. Being considered for this scholarship would mean so much to me, not only because of the financial support but also because it feels like a chance to honor Mr. Hartley’s legacy in a personal way. I want to carry forward his spirit of perseverance and kindness by continuing to grow as a golfer, a leader, and someone who helps others believe in their own possibilities—just as he did throughout his remarkable life.

Golf has profoundly shaped my life, as an athlete, student, and community member, teaching me discipline, focus, and the value of building community. I was inspired to make a difference in the game of golf by my first golf coach, Randy Taylor, whose engaging lessons and empowering personality first sparked my curiosity in the sport. Moreover, our shared African-American identity not only enlightened me on what is possible for people of color in the golf business. Continually, he inspired me to pave the way for other minorities as an African-American PGA professional, considering this group represents less than 1% of golf professionals. Through experiences like leading the Bridge Golf Harlem Program, I have improved my game and embraced the responsibilities of being a positive student-athlete role model. As a more experienced golfer, I support my peers by teaching them golf techniques and sharing insights on etiquette, tournament experiences, and course management. The camaraderie developed in long practice sessions and the lessons from competition, such as handling pressure and overcoming difficulties, have made me resilient and adaptable both on and off the course. Furthermore, observing the instruction PGA-accredited professionals in such a supportive environment has further fueled my ambition to effect positive change in golf by exemplifying the leadership qualities demonstrated by my coaches. Additionally, volunteering with First Tee of Metropolitan NY as a Junior Golf Instructor has allowed me to cultivate new golfers' passion while strengthening my own leadership and communication skills. Golf has become much more than a sport; it serves as a foundation for my academic and professional ambitions. In college, I am committed to continuing my journey both on and off the course by majoring in PGA Professional Golf Management at Schreyer Honors College, Penn State University. This unique program blends my athletic interests with my career goals and further develops my understanding of golf as a business, sport, and vehicle for lifelong learning. By combining my academic pursuits with my dedication to golf, I hope to contribute to the golf community and prepare for a future as a PGA professional who inspires others. The influence of golf extends far beyond tournaments and practice ranges; it is shaping my leadership, connecting me with communities, and guiding my academic and professional life. As I continue into college, I am determined to make the most of every opportunity, striving for excellence in all aspects of my life while encouraging the same commitment in others.