Jake Shmonov '22 Recruiting Profile

     I started playing golf when I was ten years old.  The reason why I started was a chance to spend time with my Grandpa. He is a legend where we are from, so anyone who golfs in Central PA knows who he is.  Playing golf has been his hobby for many years, so when I was little I spent a lot of time with him on the golf course. Eventually he got me a set of junior clubs, all random clubs he rounded up, and he taught me how to play. He still has our first scorecard from nine holes, I shot a 54. He still likes to brag about how he beat me that day. 

       Over time I got better, and I started playing in tournaments competitively. At our country club, they put together a junior team that I was apart of. Then I played in a local tournament called HAJGA. I did really well at that my first year. Later I went on to play for the Philadelphia Junior Tour. It was way more challenging, and I got to travel to many different courses in the tristate area. This year will be my fourth year playing on this tour.

       I was most excited about playing on my school's varsity team as a freshman. I had waited so long to be a part of that team, to be a Ram and represent my school that I love and have so much pride for. It was great being able to play alongside Garret Engle. He is one of the best junior golfers in the world. I learned a lot from him, and will miss him when he moves away. I'm proud of him for all his achievements in golf, and I hope one day I'll be playing alongside him again. 

      My goal and dream has been to continue to play golf, improve my skills, and play golf at a collegiate level. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't to make my Grandpa proud, of course it's for him. He believes in me. He saw my talent when I swung my first club. He has supported me through the highs and lows of my game.  I hope to one day play on the PGA tour . I hope to continue to play golf with my Grandpa. I even hope he still can beat me once in a while!

     Thank you for taking the time to read my personal statement. Please follow me on NCSA and track my progress, and consider me for a prospect on your golf team in the fall of 2022.