For many young golfers, the course becomes more than a place to compete. It becomes a second home where family, culture, identity, and community all come together.
This AAPI Heritage Month, Youth on Course is celebrating two golfers whose journeys reflect the power of representation and access in the game.
For USC sophomore and Youth on Course alum Jaden Dumdumaya, golf started with family. Introduced to the game by his dad, Jaden quickly fell in love with competing, practicing, and spending time on the course with his siblings.
That passion eventually turned into one of the most accomplished junior golf careers in California. Before arriving at the University of Southern California, Jaden became a two-time CIF North Section and CIF State Champion, the 2022 Drive, Chip and Putt Boys 14–15 National Champion, represented the Philippines at the Southeast Asian Games, and broke the record for most wins on the Junior Tour of California.
Picture Credit: Drive, Chip & Putt
Now a sophomore at USC studying Business Administration, he continues to make an impact at the collegiate level. During his freshman season, he recorded three top-25 finishes, including a T16 finish at the NCAA Tallahassee Regional, while earning Big Ten Team Sportsmanship honors.
But some of the most meaningful parts of golf came from the community that surrounded him growing up.
“As a Filipino-American golfer, my identity within the AAPI community has had a big impact on my journey,” he shared. “Youth on Course truly changed my life in ways that go far beyond golf. It gave me the opportunity to play and practice more often, which played a huge role in my development as a golfer. But what means even more to me are the memories and relationships that came from the experience. Youth on Course not only helped me grow in the game, but also shaped my character by teaching me appreciation, perseverance, and the importance of giving back to a community that supports you.”
Currently, Jaden is working toward winning an NCAA Division I National Championship alongside his teammates at USC.
For 14-year-old Youth on Course member Alexis Kim, representation helped shape her connection to the game from an early age.
Growing up in a Korean immigrant family, Alexis spent countless hours watching Korean LPGA stars like Seri Pak, Lydia Ko, and Minjee Lee compete on television.
A conversation with her mom about family history added another layer of meaning to her journey. Alexis learned more about her great-grandfather, a Korean War veteran who overcame immense challenges throughout his life and is still thriving today at 96 years old.
“Although my own difficulties are not nearly as life-threatening and heroic, I remember how I have my great-grandfather’s DNA when faced with challenges,” Alexis shared. “He motivates me to approach every adversity in golf with the same intensity and determination, and I hope to make my family proud with the opportunity I have because of him.”
As a Youth on Course member, Alexis has already played more than 200 rounds, using that access to grow her game and gain valuable tournament experience.
“Youth on Course has made it possible for me to feel more prepared and perform better throughout every stage in my journey.”
For Alexis and many Youth on Course members, golf is a way to carry family stories, culture, and community forward with every round they play.