3/13/24
Evan Peña is one of only a few 15-year olds to play in a PGA event and the PGA has posted a lot of social media on this achievement. Another IJGA student, Kenny Leseur, played the Bermuda PGA event in 2019, as a qualifier, and also then 15 years old.
Although Evan had a poor first round, he more than held his own in the second round with two under to be four over for the event. Three shots ahead of him, but also missing he cut, was another IJGA alumni Julian Perico, an Arkansas legend, who was also playing in his first PGA event.
For Evan, playing in a PGA event in his home country was more about the experience and memories, something he had dreamed about since he took up the game as a nine-year-old. Coach Hugh Royer was with him for some days before the event, preparing him for this amazing opportunity and supporting him as he faced intense media attention. Coach Hugh, a former PGA tour professional, gave him simple advice, which was “to hit some greens, let the game flow and have some fun”, which he certainly did. Playing future AJGA and local IJGT events will seem like a come down from this experience but are essential building blocks in his tournament experience and his golf profile. However, performing on this lofty stage has furthered his ambition to work hard and succeed at the highest level, with the support of IJGA and their dedicated coaching and fitness team.
Photos by @voyturistiando
