Armonk, N.Y., native Lee Hammerschmidt first became interested in golf when he was 12 years old and started playing with his dad at his home club, the Whippoorwill Club. It wasn’t until he was 14 and started competing in tournaments that he realized he might have a future in the sport. Last fall, Hammerschmidt gave up a quarterback spot on his local high school’s football team to concentrate full-time on golf at IJGA. The decision paid off as he has committed to play golf for the Division I Lehigh University Mountain Hawks next season. Read on to learn more about Hammerschmidt.
Background Information
Name: Lee Hammerschmidt
Hometown: Armonk, N.Y.
Age: 17
Graduation Year: 2015
Fun Facts
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite TV show: Shark Tank
Favorite pro golfer: Jason Day
Favorite non-golf athlete: Tom Brady
Favorite band or musician: Avicii
Favorite movie: The Great Gatsby
Q&A WITH HAMMERSCHMIDT
What is your favorite golf memory?
Winning the Club Championship at Whippoorwill Golf Club
Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your golf game?
My dad because he introduced me to the game
What do you like to do in your free time?
Listen to music
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Practice never lies.” ~Tennoshin Ogawa
What motivates you?
The desire to win
What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on the course?
Getting up-and-down out of the fescue in an AJGA event
What aspect of your game have you seen the most improvement in this year?
Chipping/pitching
Favorite course to play and why?
Sebonack Golf Club because it is on the water and is very challenging
What are your goals for your future after IJGA?
Win a college tournament
If you could give one piece of advice to other junior golfers or people considering IJGA, what would it be?
If you come [to IJGA] and put in quality work, you will improve!
To view Hammerschmidt’s BlueGolf profile, click here.
