She’s got her eye on the prize!
Shyla Brown was just eight years old when she began playing golf, crediting her parents with sparking her interest in the sport, WFAA news reports.
“Both of my parents played. You know, when you’re that young, you kind of take up what your parents are doing. I found it enjoyable,” said Shyla.
Now she’s making a name for herself in the game, becoming one of just four nationally ranked high school golfers recently selected to compete in the Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest, one of the nation’s top amateur golf tournaments.
“It means a lot to me. The history behind Cedar Crest that’s been held there…Pioneers like Charles Sifford, walking in his footsteps, it means a lot to me,” Shyla told reporters ahead of the games.
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Sifford made history when he broke the color barrier for the PGA Tour. It’s a historic accomplishment that Shyla holds in her heart when she thinks about her own journey. Currently, she’s the number one ranked African American junior golfer, blazing trails of her own for other youth of color in the sport. She was also named to the 2023 American Junior Golf All-Star Team, becoming only the second Black person in history to receive the award.
“To much is given, much is required. The more blessings that are given to me, the more responsibilities I hold to uphold those blessings,” Shyla explained.
For her, it’s really about staying consistent and disciplined at this level. She credits her family, coaches, and especially her peers in the sport with helping her stay motivated and inspired.
“That really brings out the best of me when I see them succeeding. It makes me want to reach there,” she said.
In addition to golf practice and tournaments, Shyla has a lot on her plate, juggling school and being a marching band member. She plans to stay focused and has dreams of eventually going pro and becoming legendary in the game.
“I want to get through college. Go professional and not even just get on the tour. Be one of the greatest,” said Shyla.
Cover photo: Meet 15-Year-Old Shyla Brown, the Number One Ranked African American Junior Golfer/Photo by @ShylaBrown_Golf/Instagram