Momoka is an active SCGA Junior participant in the San Fernando Valley (SFV) community. She joined our Player & Youth Development (PYD) program three years ago and was our first junior at the SFV site. She is a member of the Advanced Player Program, an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf E-Leader in SFV and a joy to have on the course, according to her coaches and volunteer Robert Veeh.
Momoka has grown through her experience in PYD, shooting her lowest round of 75 last month. She continues to work hard on her game and introduce others to the sport she loves by starting her middle school golf team with the support of SCGA Junior.
How has SCGA Junior impacted you?
The SCGA Junior program has helped improve my golf skills. But on top of that, it has taught me many things about leadership and friendship. It’s also given me many amazing opportunities, such as watching professional golfers playing on local courses, and I can’t thank SCGA enough.
What inspired you to start a golf club at your middle school?
I started a Japanese club in 6th grade, and this year, I started a golf club at my school, Portola Highly Gifted Magnet, because I want to make more friends who enjoy playing golf together. Coach Lauren Fesler offered golf clinics for my club, and I am very thankful for her.
What has volunteering for Girls Golf meant to you?
My dream when I become a professional golfer is that I want to start my own golf school. I think golf is an amazing sport, and I want more kids to love the game. Volunteering for Girls Golf is the beginning of that dream. I am very happy to see children, especially young girls, enjoying golf.
Why is diversity and representation important in golf?
Golf is a sport that anyone can play – no matter their race – and everyone has a fair chance at competing. If Asian people like me can become role models to more juniors, it will encourage kids to go after their dreams.
How important is it to you to have a community of golfers and coaches that look like you?
It’s very important because seeing the similarity between yourself and someone successful makes you think, “Oh, someone that looks like me did this amazing thing. That must mean I can also do it!” And I feel that is the mindset that encourages children to push themselves harder to get to their goal.
What is your favorite family tradition?
There is a festival in Japanese culture called “Hinamatsuri” (Girls’ Day), and on that day, we always cook Chirashizushi. My mother learned the recipe from her mother, and I love it.