SFPGA JUNIOR GOLF

South Florida PGA Junior Tour Alumni Spotlight  For many young golfers, competing at the collegiate level and beyond is a distant goal. For one alumni, that dream became a reality, and his journey through junior golf, college athletics, and into a professional role with the LPGA is truly inspiring. For Drew Steiner, a former South Florida PGA Junior Tour Member and current Player Content Producer at the LPGA, one moment stands out in his junior golf career: winning the 1st Annual SFPGA High School Championship with the Spanish River High team. The victory at Qual Ridge Country Club reinforced the teams talent but it was the comradeira shared that aided in the win. Spanish River was the strongest in the field and Steiner led the way, capturing the overall Individual Boys Championship with a 1-under par performance. "It wasn’t just about winning; it was about how strong we were as a team," Steiner shared. "Winning that event together really showed us how much potential we had as a group." The moment was more than just winning a golf tournament, it further helped him secure a spot on the Lafayette College men’s Golf Team, allowing Steiner to fulfill his dream of playing Division 1 golf. "It gave me the confidence to pursue my goal of playing college golf," he explained. "And doing it with my teammates was a perfect way to prepare for the next chapter." As he transitioned to college golf, the experience playing on a competitive, high-caliber team became even more valuable. "I loved the camaraderie of college golf. It’s just more fun to win as a team than individually,” Steiner recalled. Unlike many who stumble upon the idea of college golf too late, Steiner always knew it was where he wanted to be. "I played all sports up until high school, but once I focused on golf, I knew that was the path," he reflected. "My goal from eighth grade onward was to play college golf and use the sport as a vehicle to get a great education." College golf, especially at the Division I level, was everything he expected. "It wasn’t just about golf. It was about the connections you make, the experiences, and the opportunities that come from being a part of a program." However, the transition from high school to collegiate athletics wasn’t without its challenges. "When you get to college, you realize it’s not just about showing up to class. You have to manage your time, juggle schoolwork, and maximize your practice time," he explained. "Coming from Florida to the Northeast also meant adjusting to the weather, which was a huge change for me." Despite these challenges, Steiner thrived in the competitive atmosphere and loved the camaraderie of the team. "If you're surrounded by good people and teammates, it makes it all worthwhile." During his time at Lafayette in which he graduated in 2022 with a degree in Film and Media Studies, Steiner was an active member of the men’s golf team, further cultivating his passion for both the game and media. It was during this time that his two passions—golf and media—began to converge, ultimately guiding him toward his professional career. Looking back, Steiner knew he was fortunate to work with mentors like John Brooks and Shane Riser, who guided him through the recruiting process, and he looks to share that same knowledge. "Don’t be afraid to reach out to coaches, whether at Division I, II, or III schools. While also being aware of the player you are, the education you want to receive and if you wish to continue to work towards a tour card. The key is getting exposure, and you need to play on competitive teams to get better, no matter the level,” he explained. He also emphasized the importance of choosing a school that fits you, beyond just the golf program. "Go visit the campus. Make sure you like the dining halls, the facilities, and everything around the school. You need to imagine what it’s like in all (weather) seasons." After graduating from Lafayette, Drew was ready to take on the world. Initially pursuing a career in sports journalism, he eventually shifted gears to focus on social media and content creation within the world of golf. Steiner’s journey took him to the PGA of America and the PGA Tour before landing his current role with the LPGA. "I’ve been with the LPGA for a year now, and my day-to-day involves creating video content for player channels—hype videos, graphics, and other creative pieces," he shared. With 13-15 events a year to cover, his job allows him to travel, meet amazing people, and experience the sport in a whole new light. "It wasn’t a planned transition, but I’ve learned so much and I’ve just been taking it all in day by day." Reflecting on his journey, Drew credits much of his success to the experiences and connections he gained both on and off the golf course. From the lessons learned in junior golf to the valuable connections made in college, it’s clear that his time spent in the game has shaped his career path. For any young athlete aspiring to follow in his footsteps, his advice is simple: "Maximize every opportunity. Whether you’re playing junior golf, going through the recruiting process, or figuring out your career path, take advantage of the resources around you." As Steiner continues his work with the LPGA, it's evident that his passion for golf—both as a player and now in the industry—has taken him to new heights… And the journey is just getting started.

Lake Worth, FL - Brandon Rinker, Mia Heuberger, and Reed Abdelnour won their respective age divisions during the South Florida PGA Medalist event, March 22-23 at Park Ridge Golf Course.