Remember Amy Bockerstette, 21, who said, “I got this,” before masterfully launching her ball out of a sand trap onto the green, and then sinking her putt at the 16th hole during a practice round for the Waste Management Phoenix Open in January of 2019? (In case you missed seeing Amy’s inspirational poise and skill, you can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/rYSjFvCNP7Q)
Since that time, Amy has been one busy lady. “I have been all over the country playing golf, giving speeches, and making new friends.” These friends include the 2019 U.S. Open Competition winner, Gary Woodland, about whom she says, “We are best friends.”
Amy returned to the Phoenix Open in January of this year, and was thrilled to receive a $25,000 check from the Phoenix Thunderbirds for her family’s new foundation, aimed at helping individuals with disabilities learn to golf.
“My family formed the I GOT THIS Foundation to give back to others like me,” she says.
Read Sam’s interview with Amy to learn more about this new foundation, about Amy’s advice for others who’d like to play golf, as well as about how she become the first person with Down syndrome to receive an athletic scholarship!
When did you start playing golf? “I started playing golf when I was 14.”
What do you like most about it? “I like meeting other girls and I have fun riding on the bus with my teammates. Putting is my favorite thing.”
How much time do you spend practicing every day? “During the college season, I practice or play 2 - 5 hours every day. When we are not competing, I take lessons 2 - 3 days a week and play 1 - 2 times a week.”
(Congratulations on being the first person with Down syndrome to receive an athletic scholarship to College!!!) “Thank you!”
Was that a big surprise? Tell us the story! “Yes, it was a big surprise. In spring of my senior year of high school, my Dad sent an email to the Women’s Golf coach at Paradise Valley Community College. He asked if I could be part of the team in some way. The coach looked at my videos and my scores and he offered me a full scholarship. It was very fun and exciting!”
What do you like most about the community college you attend? “I like meeting the other students in my classes. I have made really good friends.”
What classes are you taking? What is your favorite and why? “I study dance, so my classes are Modern Dance, Jazz Dance, Hip Hop, Argentine Tango, Zumba and Yoga. They are all very fun and I have learned a lot about different types of dance.”
What do you want to do after college? “I want to get a job, keep playing golf and have fun with my friends.”
What are your other dreams for the future? "I want to continue traveling across the country, playing golf with disability groups and advocating for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.”
Who do you look up to the most in the golf world? And in life? And why? "Gary Woodland! We are best friends. He caddied for me on the 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. He also surprised me on The Today Show after he won the U.S. Open. Sometimes we text each other and he is very nice.
“I also really love Cori Matheson at Girls Golf of Phoenix. Girls Golf is a national program and Cori has an awesome program for girls in Phoenix. I learned a lot from her.”
What’s been the most exciting thing for you that has happened because of your new foundation? “I have met so many people, and everyone has been so nice to me. I have been all over the country playing golf, giving speeches and making new friends. The most exciting thing was seeing Gary Woodland again on the 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. So many people were there cheering for us and The Thunderbirds donated to our foundation.”
What has been the most exciting thing that has happened for others because of your new foundation? “My family formed the I GOT THIS Foundation to give back to others like me. We are just getting started. I am so thankful for the ability to help other people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.”
We love your vision of getting more people with intellectual disabilities involved in playing golf! “Thank you. I like playing golf with my Special Olympics friends and people with Down syndrome. I want more people like us to learn that golf is such a great sport and is a great way to be included.”
What’s your advice for others with Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities who would like to get involved? “Find a coach. Special Olympics offers golf, too. Work hard and practice a lot. Breathe and believe, and you can achieve your dreams.”
Are there any upcoming events planned that you are really looking forward to? “This year, because of the virus, we are not planning any events but I will be attending a few golf outings to help raise money for people with intellectual disabilities.”
What’s the message you have for the world? “We are all different, with our own abilities, gifts and talents. By coming together, we make the world a better place.”
