Seldom Do Boys Compete

SELDOM DO BOYS COMPETE against men in professional sports. But in the 2001 Honda Classic, Ty Tryon proved his maturity and poise on the golf course.

The 16-year-old sophomore at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, played his way into the PGA tournament with a series of amateur victories. When the time came to compete with the pros, the 2000 PGA Junior champion played the Heron Bay course like a seasoned veteran.

Tryon finished his first round with a 67, just two shots behind leader Jesper Parnevik. After connecting for three straight birdies on day two, he struggled with strong winds on the back nine. Tryon endured three bogeys plus a double bogey and carded a 73 for his second round.

The grandson of a three-time New York State amateur champion improved his game on Saturday and Sunday. In round three, Tryon shot a 70, amazing the crowd with a birdie shot from the bunker on the final hole.

On Sunday, Tryon recorded five birdies on the first ten holes but cooled off to card a 68. He finished the four-day event 10-under-par and tied for 37th place. By qualifying for the final rounds of the PGA event, he became the youngest player to achieve the feat since Bob Panasik in the 1957 Canadian Open.

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POINT No one really thought that Tryon could make the cut in a professional tournament. After all, playing with the pros is tough enough. But he did make the cut, and he played beyond his years.

Tryon was an example to the other golfers with his actions and enthusiasm. He didn’t back away from the challenge. Instead, he used his God-given ability to excel against athletes more than twice his age. And those he beat no longer viewed him as only a boy.

GOAL! What are some of your God-given abilities?