Jude Lee first picked up a golf club at age seven, tagging along with her dad to the driving range. Group lessons with other kids soon followed, and what began as a fun activity quickly became something much more.
At nine, Jude joined Youth on Course and played her first $3 round at Diamond Bar Golf Course. That moment marked the beginning of a journey that would lead to national tournaments, major championships, and a Division I commitment.
“It means the world to me. I wouldn’t have been able to afford to play and practice as much as I do without Youth on Course, and therefore, wouldn’t have even been able to come close to where I am right now. I think the biggest benefit for Youth on Course is the ability for us to go out on the course in the afternoons and practice different shots that we wouldn’t be able to on the practice range."
Now with over 150 Youth on Course rounds to her name, Jude credits real on-course practice, working on shots that can’t be replicated at the range, as one of the biggest factors in her development.
“That access facilitated a huge amount of growth in my golf game.”
Jude’s competitive spirit took hold early. By age nine, she began playing in tournaments and made the decision to fully focus on golf, even stepping away from other activities like swim team.
That focus paid off. In 2021, she captured her first AJGA win at the Junior All-Star at Morongo.
“My first AJGA win is definitely my most memorable one. It gave me a huge boost of confidence and motivation. I had struggled to close out tournaments previously, and that proved to me I could handle pressure situations. Before that win, I had started working on my mental game for the very first time, and seeing how great a part it played in my golf game motivated me to work on it even more, and that is still incorporated into my practices.”
More recently, Jude qualified for and competed in the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, gaining valuable experience on the biggest stage in women’s golf.
“It was a very eye-opening and inspiring experience. I got to see what areas of my game I needed to work on, and gained confidence for the areas of my game that went well. Overall, I got a glimpse of the tour life and how things run: there are a lot more components to it than just playing golf. “
She is now committed to play Division I golf at Stanford University, a dream years in the making.
“ This opportunity is a dream come true for me. I’ve looked up to Stanford’s players, coaches, and program ever since the beginning of my golf career, and I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to play there. Especially under Coach Anne Walker, who is such a legendary coach, I am so excited for the opportunity to learn and grow, both as a golfer and a human being, under that program.”
Jude’s typical practice sessions blend technical work and strategy, starting with short game, moving to the range, and finishing with nine holes or additional chipping and putting. And when things don’t go her way?
“When things might not be going as planned, I just try my best to return to the present. As cliché as it sounds, taking it one shot at a time really is the most important rule in golf.”
Looking ahead, Jude is focused on the next phase of her journey: transitioning to collegiate golf, building a more consistent swing, and continuing to develop physically and mentally. Her long-term goals include earning her degree and one day competing and winning on the LPGA Tour.
Jude’s story is a powerful example of how access can create opportunity. What started with a $3 round became a life filled with purpose, growth, and possibility.
As she prepares to compete at the highest level of collegiate golf, Jude remains a shining example of what’s possible when young people are given the access. Her journey is just beginning. And Youth on Course is proud to walk alongside her every step of the way.