When asked about Youth on Course, John Scott Senz says his future in golf is clearer. “[Youth on Course] has given me more chances to play and now I know I want to continue to play golf after high school, hopefully in college…and then afterward.”
John Scott lives in Pleasant Hill, California and is a senior at Concord High School. You can almost always find him at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord, one of YOC’s partner courses that allows YOC members to play for $5 or less.
Over the years, John Scott’s membership has created countless opportunities for him to meet a variety of people. He has even connected with two of his biggest mentors, Craig Kilcoyne, PGA professional golfer and his high school golf coach, and YOC Program Director, Michael Lowe.
When John Scott isn’t playing and practicing his golf game at Diablo Creek, he’s busy winning tournaments and has achieved impressive victories and titles. He has been All-League high school golfer three years in a row, and he is the reigning, two-time Special Olympics of Northern California (SONC) Northern California Regional Golf Tournament Champion. These are extraordinary feats, but the thing that continues to impress golfers the most is his character.
In October 2018, John Scott played with the pros in the PGA Shriners Hospitals for Children Open Championship Pro-Am at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas. The tournament was a blast, but even more memorable due to the deep connection he has with the beneficiary. For the last 10 years, John Scott has been a patient of the hospital. He has had countless positive experiences with the hospital and the people who have helped him. These same experiences are what have inspired him to want to give back.
“Playing in the Pro-Am event was a great experience for me,” said Senz. “I was a bit nervous at first because I was playing with many of the best golfers in the world. Chris Kirk, my pro playing partner, was wonderful to play with. He encouraged me by telling me that I ‘had a great swing and to just hang in there,’ and that really calmed me down.”
Senz followed Kirk around during his Thursday opening round before flying back to the Bay Area. “I would love to go back and play again next year,” Senz concluded.
Earlier in 2018, Youth on Course invited John Scott and three other Youth on Course members to play in YOC’s annual fundraising event at Spyglass Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach, CA. John Scott credits Youth on Course for providing him with opportunities he may not have been exposed to and says that he feels fortunate to be able to play on courses and in events that he would not have otherwise played in.
The more John Scott continues to play golf, the more he aspires to play beyond his high school years and pursue a higher education. He says being a member of YOC has helped pave the path to accomplish these goals and continue his life in golf. “I want to thank YOC for all of the opportunities it has given me. I will continue to be a part of YOC for as long as I can.”
Check out the PGA Live video clip from the Pro-Am event.