The PGA Tour has started a tradition of pairing amateur golfers, often teenagers, with professionals to play full holes together during pro-ams or practice rounds. This week at the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open, Gary Woodland teamed up with Amy Bockerstette from Special Olympics Arizona on the iconic par-3 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale. Woodland personally invited Amy to join him, creating a memorable moment on the course.
Amy Bockerstette’s Unique Golfing Journey
Amy Bockerstette has made history as the first collegiate golfer with an intellectual disability, such as Down Syndrome, to compete on scholarship at Paradise Valley Community College. She was the third-ranked player on her Arizona high school golf team and notably the first athlete with an intellectual disability to qualify for the Arizona state high school championship. Prior to stepping onto the 16th tee with Woodland, Amy’s father helped her put on her golf shoes and offered encouraging words.
“You’ve got this, kiddo,” her dad said.
Sharing the Fairway: Amy’s Performance and Crowd Reaction
Amy swung confidently, sending her ball into the front-right greenside bunker. Undaunted by the challenge, she embraced the occasion, enjoying the cheers from the supportive crowd gathered around the hole. Amy responded warmly, saying, “They love me.” Reaching the green, Gary Woodland asked if she wanted to attempt the bunker shot herself. Showing remarkable determination, Amy prepared herself and hit the ball from the sand close to the hole.
Woodland, professional Matt Kuchar, and Kuchar’s caddie John Wood enthusiastically supported her effort, high-fiving and congratulating her. Woodland then offered guidance on reading the putt, encouraging Amy to make the par-saving stroke— which she aced successfully.
A Moment of Triumph and Encouragement
The successful par putt marked a special moment for Amy, Woodland, Kuchar, and Wood. They admired her poise in a situation that often makes even pros uneasy. Amy’s strong performance made her a standout star of the day. After completing the hole, Amy received hugs from Woodland and Kuchar as well as a warm embrace from her mother.
Significance of the Experience and Broader Impact
This inspiring encounter at the Waste Management Phoenix Open highlights not only Amy Bockerstette’s impressive skills but also the inclusive progress golf is making toward welcoming players with intellectual disabilities. For Gary Woodland and the others involved, moments like this bring hope and perspective amid the challenges seen daily in the world. The pairing exemplifies how sportsmanship and encouragement can create unforgettable experiences that resonate both on and off the course.
