Youth on Course is proudly celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by spotlighting the incredible individuals in our community. From alumni excelling at the collegiate level to current members and staff shaping the future of golf, these stories reflect the strength, culture, and pride within the AAPI community.
Meet Aidan Tran, a proud Vietnamese-American, who was a Youth on Course member for over ten years. Growing up in a family where golf was a shared passion, Youth on Course was a game-changer.
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"It was incredibly helpful for my family. I have three siblings who also play golf. The access to affordable golf allowed me to play so many different types of courses and gave me a strong foundation during my junior years that helped shape me into the golfer I am today.”
“My Vietnamese background has instilled in me resilience and a strong work ethic. Both of these continue to guide me on and off the course.”
After completing his bachelor’s degree at Georgia Tech in just three years, Aidan is pursuing a master’s degree and competing in his final year of NCAA eligibility. Just this week, he earned the NCAA Elite 90 Award for Division I Men’s Golf, presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA (4.0) at the finals site of each of the NCAA’s 90 championships.
We look forward to supporting Aidan and cheering him on as he sets his sights on a professional golf career.
Isabel Helgemoe is a proud daughter of South Korean immigrants. Whether through language, traditions, or community, staying connected to her heritage has always been important. Watching the AAPI community rise in visibility, across sports, music, and entertainment, has also been incredibly impactful to her as a young person.
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“Being able to see Korean female golfers dominate the LPGA has been an inspiration. Seeing players who have similar features has shown me that playing in the LPGA is attainable for someone like me.”
A Youth on Course member for over eight years, Isabel has sharpened her skills at Starfire Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ.
“Starfire is where I got two holes-in-one (#2 and #9) and where my little brother just got his first hole-in-one, so this course holds special memories for my entire family.”
We’re excited to see all Isabel accomplishes on her journey as a golfer.
Neil Awasthi identifies as American with Indian heritage. Traditions like cooking family recipes and celebrating Diwali and Holi connect him deeply to his culture.
His family's immigrant story continues to inspire him, especially when facing challenges on the course. After a tough shot or game, he’s learned to stay resilient and keep pushing forward. Seeing fellow Indian American Akshay Bhatia succeed on the PGA Tour, especially coming from Neil’s hometown, reminds him that representation truly matters.
Neil has been a Youth on Course member for three years. As part of the Leadership Council and Drive Club, he’s developed leadership skills and connected with golfers across the country.
"It’s rewarding to help others enjoy golf through Youth on Course and give back to an organization that helped me play golf more often.”
A first-generation Korean American, Emily Lee is proud to be part of the AAPI community. Her cultural background deeply shapes her values and morals.
“To have the opportunity to carry forward traditions that not only honor my family but also my culture brings me joy and a sense of purpose. I hope to inspire others to not hold back on representing their heritage and culture with pride.”
Emily has been a Youth on Course member for nearly 10 years. “Youth on Course has given me the opportunity to grow as a player/person and build relationships within the golf community that are still very special to me today.”
Emily is currently a freshman at Texas Tech University, and we are excited to see all of the amazing things she will accomplish in her collegiate career.
Born in the Philippines, Dorris Gutual identifies proudly as Filipino and cherishes her large, close-knit family. Her favorite tradition? The annual Christmas Eve celebration, filled with games and delicious Filipino food.
Four months into her role as a Development Manager for Youth on Course, Dorris says: “What’s been most meaningful is seeing the real impact Youth on Course has on our members and their journey with the sport. It’s inspiring to be part of an organization that makes golf accessible and helps shape young lives through opportunity and community.”
Each of these individuals adds to the fabric of the Youth on Course community, representing the depth and diversity of the AAPI experience. We’re proud to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with them and to continue building a community that welcomes everyone.