By Delilah Martinez, Momentous School 5th Grade Student
2018 AT&T Byron Nelson Junior Reporter
Today, I interviewed two professional golfers, John Merrick and Andrew Yun. These talented PGA Tour golfers were inspiring because – surprise! – they talked about how they feel the most important thing is “Education first.” John graduated from UCLA, and Andrew graduated from Stanford. They both seemed proud that they had finished their college degrees, and they told us that many athletes these days turn pro before graduating college.
The second thing they told me that was interesting was that they both still love golf. John said, “It never gets old!” Both golfers have loved the game since they were kids, and talked about how it is a lifetime dream. They still have fun.
I couldn’t help but notice how very respectful and sincere they were. They took our interview really seriously, even though they were just being interviewed by a kid. It made me feel like what we were doing really mattered.
In our conversation, we talked about the pros and cons of being a professional golfer. The pros are that you are your own boss and you do what you love. The cons are that you travel a lot and are away from your family.
As a student at Momentous School, I was interested to ask them about persistence and what they did to handle their frustration when they didn’t make the putt or they missed the green. Their response? “If it happens, it happens,” said John. “Don’t let your anger sidetrack you. You have to keep calm.”
Andrew added, “You have to let it go and maintain confidence.”
This was good to hear. I was surprised to learn that they were focused on their mental health and even practiced breathing and not over-stressing themselves.
My final point today – it’s Andrew’s birthday on Thursday! I hope he has a Happy Birthday and good luck on the golf course!
By Nestor Resendiz, Momentous School 5th Grader
2018 AT&T Byron Nelson Junior Reporter
On Wednesday morning, Momentous School 5th grader Eddie Salazar got the chance to caddie at the Pro-Am at the AT&T Byron Nelson. He was matched up with legendary player Sergio Garcia. Eddie even got to putt with Sergio’s putter which is pretty exciting. Also, Eddie got lucky enough to get a golf ball signed by Sergio. What kid wouldn’t want that to happen to them?
Eddie and his fifth grade classmates got to caddie because Momentous School is supported by this great tournament every year. The Salesmanship Club members (the “Red Pants”) and our teachers want every moment of our trip to be just perfect. Every single one of us had an opportunity to caddy at one hole.
So now let us turn to Juan Pablo. His friends like to call him JP. JP had an opportunity just like Eddie. He got to meet the one and only JORDAN SPIETH and caddie for him. This was the highlight of the day! JP said being a caddie was hard because you needed to be really strong to hold a fifty lb. bag of clubs. He was out of breath by the time he got to the green, but JP had a huge smile. Jordan’s real caddy, Michael Greller, said that JP did a great job.
All these experiences are important to me because they allow students from Momentous School to get to know some of the greatest golfers in the world. They took time to talk with us and be friendly. What an awesome day!
By Delilah Martinez, Momentous School 5th Grade Student
2018 AT&T Byron Nelson Junior Reporter
On Wednesday, I got a delightful opportunity to caddie for the one and only PGA Tour professional Colt Knost! It was such an amazing opportunity to be part of the AT&T Byron Nelson Pro-Am.
Mr.Colt was polite and very positive, even though he put a lot of pressure on himself to make the shot. I observed Mr. Colt breath and settle his glitter, which was inspirational and awesome!! Also, he never gave up encouraging all those around him. Mr. Colt even let me have a signed golf ball after I was done caddying for him! I also got the opportunity to meet and have a conversation with Colt’s very outstanding official caddie.
Update: I just found out that Colt has withdrawn from the AT&T Byron Nelson due to injuries. I am sad for him. All I have to say is that I hope Mr. Colt returns next year to the 2019 AT&T Byron Nelson.
