On Jan. 29, 2019 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open’s Dream Day on the famous 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, Amy Bockerstette, who has Down syndrome, demonstrated to the golfing world what a determined athlete with self-confidence and a positive attitude can achieve.
While playing with PGA Tour players Gary Woodland and Matt Kuchar during the Tuesday practice round, Amy hit the par 3 tee shot 117 yards into a greenside bunker, splashed her sand shot to within 8 feet of the pin, and made her par putt in front of a roaring crowd. The I GOT THIS Foundation was born out of this moment, which was captured on video and has since gone viral, receiving more than 54 million views on social media platforms.
Golf is a sport where everyone plays the same game on the same field. Their vision is that people with intellectual disabilities become included in those games.
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"I am strong, I am confident and I am proud to be happy. I am powerful and love my Power Pose!".... another Amy quote
Amy's dream foursome... Nick Jonas, Grant Gustin (The Flash) and Zac Efron (and PGA Tour pro and friend Gary Woodland)
Amy is active on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Amy and Joe Bockerstette on our Youtube Channel!
Episode Chapters
[02:40] Amy's introduction to golf, how old she was and who helped make it happen
[04:40] How The I GOT THIS Foundation was born from Amy's experience at The 2019 Phoenix WM Open
[08:00] Joe shares what happened after Amy made her amazing par at The Phoenix Open
[09:25] Amy and Joe talk about the friendship that blossomed with PGA Tour player Gary Woodland
[12:25] The decision to start and the effort needed to build The I GOT THIS Foundation
[15:35] Amy's superpowers and her speaking engagements in support of neurodiverse people
[18:15] Amy's "Superpower club", her favourite shot type and the most memorable shots she has hit
[20:40] Who's in Amy's "Dream Foursome" SPOILER Nick Jonas is one of them!
[22:00] Future goals and aspirations for Amy and The I GOT THIS Foundation
[25:50] How society has changed it's perception regarding what people like Amy can accomplish
[26:50] "Amy's Village" and the community surrounding her with support and encouragement
I GOT THIS Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, has a mission to promote golf instruction and playing opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
By providing golf instruction, playing opportunities, and organized events, they strive to teach people with neurodivergent abilities to play golf, paving the way for them to compete in leagues with typical peers, join high school teams, and enjoy the many social benefits of golf.
To learn more about Amy and The I GOT THIS Foundation, check out their website.
You can also connect with Amy on her bio page.
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We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!
When I mentioned Amy's episode to the folks at British Columbia Golf they immediately wanted to support it, as one of their goals is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. As a provincial arm of Golf Canada, British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to improve partner relationships to increase participation in the sport.
If you're looking to plan your next amazing golf trip, British Columbia Golf is the place to explore and book from the over 300 golf courses they support across our beautiful province. To learn about the impact they are making and to discover your next golf adventure, check out their website at www.britishcolumbiagolf.org.
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We also want to thank Golf Genius Software for supporting The ModGolf Podcast since 2019!
Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.