Tamasi relishing chance to represent Springdale GC at AJGA event
Caroline Tamasi competes as a kind of lone wolf in the American Junior Golf Association event at Springdale Golf Club.
Tamasi plays as the Princeton club’s only representative, either an edge or disadvantage depending on perspective.
Her perspective reflects a teen flushed with the positive throes of life, perhaps not knowing the significance of each breath but enjoying the present of here and now.
Several days before her first significant foray into AJGA competition, Tamasi voiced giddy excitement and discussed her wanderlust adventure even though this opportunity offers a three-round event on a course that tethers familiarity minus contempt.
It’s a trip, journey and good walk accentuated with her deep appreciation of opportunity.
Tamasi, 15, “I’ll be 16 in September,” she interjected, loves golf and this teenaged daydream chance to absorb each moment, bookmark every thought, swing and words of encouragement by Springdale Golf Club members.
“I feel a little stressed about representing Springdale in this tournament,” Tamasi, whose uncle Mario Tamasi serves as tournament chair for this showcase of national teen talent.
“I know many of the members here and they accept that whatever happens, happens. It’s golf. I may go out and shoot the best two or three rounds of my life or stink. Either, or, it’s more about attitude. I’m going to do my best, try my hardest. That’s all I can do.”
Tamasi gained a tournament invitation based on past performances, including a three-year run as Springdale GC’s junior girls champion, a title wrested from her by club rival, Eden Richmond.
Tamasi trailed by four shots early in the 9-hole, stroke play match. She displayed grit and grind before losing 41 to 40.
Tuesday, when 84 golfers play 36 holes and follow with an 18-hole finale on Wednesday matters most now as Tamasi put the past behind her.
“It’s just so exciting, been like that since we found out about me getting the invitation,” gushed Tamasi. “Being able to compete on this level, that’s what I’m excited about. Some of the best junior players are at Springdale this week.”
The American Junior Golf Association is a “501 nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.”
Tamasi avoided an AJGA Monday qualifier which featured 80 golfers and allotted eight boys entries and two girls spots into the 54-hole tournament sponsored by Stuart Francis, a Princeton University Class of 1974 graduate and former star golfer for the Tigers.
Tamasi receives support from an extended group of members, including Springdale Golf Club board chairman, Kevin Tylus, Sr.
“Win or lose, Caroline has our admiration,” Tylus said.
Keith Stewart, Springdale head golf pro, pointed toward a photo of himself and Tiger Woods.
“That guy right there, told me that all pressure is self induced. Is there pressure on Caroline because she represents our club? Probably. She wants to do well,” Stewart noted.
“Caroline should also know that the club is 1,000 percent behind her. Sink or swim, pass or fail, or somewhere in between, every member will welcome her with open arms come Wednesday.”
So, no real worries for Tamasi who enjoys the love of parents, Matthew and Jessica.
Well, actually there is concern about selecting apparel for each round.
“I have several good luck outfits including this skirt and a shirt from Sankaty (Head) Golf Club in Nantucket,” Tamasi admitted.
The Tamasis visit Massachusetts each summer and Springdale 26-year member “Mr. (Helmut) Waymar invites us to play Sankaty.”
“That’s really cool. Right?,” Tamasi said.
Enthusiasm will ratchet
Age: 15
School: Hopewell Valley High.
Handicap: 8
Most trusted club: 7 iron. Favorite professional
golfer: Rory McIlroy and Lexi Thompson.
Favorite movie: The Incredibles I or II.
Favorite food: Any pasta prepared by Grandmother Christine “Nonnie” Tamasi. Best round: 74 Springdale GC.
Favorite musician: Zac Brown Band.
Sport option: If I didn’t play golf? Lacrosse. Always wanted to try volleyball. higher Tuesday as Tamasi tees up on her home course.
Tamasi will attend an LPGA Leadership Academy in August then head back to high school at Hopewell Valley.
“It’s been a pretty exciting summer,” Tamasi added.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist.