Off the Green With Orla: A Shining Example of Passion and Determination

Leah Gram is a 14-year-old South Florida PGA Callaway Medalist Tour junior golfer who radiates joy both on and off the golf course. With her bright smile and infectious enthusiasm, she has quickly become a standout, not just for her golf accomplishments but also for the energy she brings to everyone around her.


Leah’s passion for golf began when she was just six years old, when her father, a former collegiate golfer at the College of Charleston, introduced her to the game. Born in New York to parents originally from Sweden, Leah and her family later moved to Florida. It all started with junior clinics at Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, where she fell in love with the game. By the time she was nine, Leah had joined the SFPGA Junior Tour, and her family has been by her side, supporting her every step of the way.


"Golf became a special bond for me and my dad," Leah reflects. "He’s always there cheering me on."


Her steady dedication to the sport soon paid off. Between 2020 and 2022, Leah earned three consecutive top-10 finishes at the U.S. Kids World Championship, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable junior golf career.


In 2023, Leah was a Drive, Chip and Putt finalist, a feat that took her to Augusta National during Masters week—a dream come true for any young golfer. To make the experience even more memorable, she was able to bring her extended family from Sweden, connecting her love for golf with her deep-rooted heritage. Fluent in Swedish, Leah proudly carries her family’s background.


This year, Leah has shined brightly on the SFPGA Junior Tour, winning two Callaway Medalist Tour events and capturing the prestigious Nicklaus Junior Championship, an SFPGA Junior Tour Major. As one of the youngest in the field, she shot an impressive 76-73—149 to seal her victory. She also showcased her skills on the SFPGA Section side, finishing in the top five with her partner, Derek Niszczak, PGA, at the annual Pro-Junior event.


Leah has also competed in several other high-profile events, including the 2024 Florida Women's Amateur, where she was the youngest contestant, and the Florida Girls Championship, where she placed in the top-10 for her age group.


As a freshman at William T. Dwyer High School, Leah balances her academic and athletic commitments with ease. She plays on the varsity golf and volleyball teams while maintaining her straight-A status.


While Leah is incredibly focused on her golf career, she’s still very much a teenage girl who loves to shop and enjoys good food.


"I love shopping," she shares with a smile. "But when I'm on the course, I'm determined and focused. I want to keep pushing myself, and my dream is to play collegiate golf and eventually make it onto the LPGA."


Beyond her love for the game, Leah is also passionate about giving back. She’s involved in Fore All Junior Golf Foundation, which directly supports programs like First Tee and Youth on Course, which help make golf more accessible for young players who might not have had the same opportunities she has. 


“Golf is such a great sport, but unfortunately, some people don’t have the same accessibility to equipment and courses,” she says. “I want to help change that.”


Leah’s message to younger golfers is simple but heartfelt:


“Never give up, even if you feel burnt out. Just remember that this game is a skill you could have for the rest of your life while building lifelong friendships and connections.”


With a bright future ahead of her, she exemplifies the commitment, discipline and drive that define South Florida PGA Junior Tour athletes. There’s no doubt Leah will continue to inspire her peers, both on and off the golf course. 



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July 3, 2025
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By Brianna Alonso May 27, 2025
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