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Tyler Thomas

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My life goals are to sponsor my own professional golf career through day trading and real estate while using every platform I’m given to glorify God by helping out others in need and introducing the game of golf to those who come from less fortunate backgrounds. I am building financial independence intentionally so I can compete at the highest level in golf without relying on outside funding, distractions, or compromises. My long-term vision is to scale income producing assets that support elite performance, freedom of time, and impact. I am most passionate about the intersection of discipline, faith, and execution. Golf sharpens my mental toughness and humility, while day trading and real estate demand structure, risk management, and emotional control. My entrepreneurship is not driven by ego, but by stewardship maximizing the talents God has entrusted to me. I am a strong candidate because I combine faith with action. I live by systems, consistency, and accountability, applying what I learn daily in the markets, business, and training. I am coachable, resilient, and committed to excellence with purpose.

Education

Winston-Salem State University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      finance

    • Dream career goals:

    • Cart Attendee

      Grandover Resort and Spa
      2025 – Present1 year

    Sports

    Golf

    Varsity
    2020 – Present6 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      First Tee Triad — Teaching Instructor
      2023 – Present
    Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship
    Winner
    “Some of the hardest life lessons aren’t learned on the course or in the classroom, they are learned when you have to make impossible decisions and still choose to rise.” Outside of golf and academics, I invest my time in personal development, fitness, and the development of high-performance skills. I train consistently in the gym and maintain daily habits of prayer and reflection to stay grounded and disciplined. I also develop a day-trading strategy alongside two of my teammates daily on Discord through structured backtesting on TradingView, trading in a prop firm account, and studying mentorship content to refine our approach and risk management. We intentionally hold each other accountable to avoid impulsive decisions. Before each session, we begin with a short Bible study to put the Lord first and reinforce qualities of patience, discipline, and integrity that carry over into golf, academics, and life. I am currently a Business Administration major with a concentration in Personal Finance at Winston-Salem State University. I chose this field to gain a high-level understanding of money management, investing, and strategic decision-making. My long-term goal is to combine professional golf with entrepreneurship, including real estate and day trading as disciplined, skill-based income streams, and to pursue an MBA after undergrad to sharpen my business acumen further. Studying personal finance equips me with practical tools to manage income, assess risk, and build sustainable wealth, allowing me to support my athletic career while preparing for life beyond competitive golf. I currently give back through mentorship, service, and by setting an example for younger golfers. During my internship with First Tee Central Carolinas, I helped introduce youth to golf while emphasizing discipline, character, and confidence. Beyond college, I plan to continue mentoring young golfers—especially those from underserved communities by sharing access, knowledge, and encouragement. My goal is to create opportunities for others through golf, financial education, and service, helping them believe that success is possible with faith, work ethic, and consistency. Receiving the HCGS scholarship would allow me to fully focus on excelling in the classroom and in the course without the added pressure of financial strain. Academically, it would give me the time and resources to deepen my understanding of business and personal finance, laying the foundation for pursuing an MBA after undergrad. This opportunity would be the most valuable step toward my long-term goals. Athletically, the support would allow me to invest in tournaments that provide more competitive experience, helping me refine my game and gain the exposure necessary to pursue professional golf. Personally, receiving this scholarship would reinforce my belief that I am capable of achieving my goals and serve as a true sign that my story and journey are worthy of support. This scholarship would not only support my current goals, it would create a lasting impact by directly preparing me for success in graduate school, professional golf, and entrepreneurship. One of the most challenging periods of my life came during the spring semester of my junior year, when I had to make the difficult decision to obtain a restraining order against my biological father due to his mental illness and refusal to take his prescribed medication. Facing this situation could have easily made me feel like a victim, but I chose instead to channel my energy into discipline, faith, and hard work. I committed to my routines—training, studying, prayer, preparation, focusing on becoming a better golfer, a responsible captain of my golf team, and a stronger person. That experience taught me resilience, self-accountability, and the importance of making hard decisions for the right reasons. I learned that even in the hardest circumstances, I can rise above challenges and use adversity to grow both on and off the course.