From Mini Golf to D1 Dreams: Sydney Silva's Journey with Youth on Course

At just five years old, Sydney Silva’s love for golf began not on a sprawling green fairway, but on a mini golf course across the street. Every weekend, Sydney and her dad would watch LPGA tournaments together, and she was captivated not just by the game, but by the strong, talented women who played it. Inspired by these pros, she began asking her dad to take her golfing, and their first adventures started at a local mini golf course near their home, where windmills and volcanoes made every round feel magical.

“After a couple of months of the mini golf adventures, I finally told my dad I wanted to go to a real golf course…the one with grass. So he wanted to make sure I started off on the right foot, getting good coaching that not only helped me improve my skill, but also grow my love for the game. Denise Philbrick, former LPGA touring pro, was my first instructor out of San Ramon Golf Club (a Youth on Course golf course), and my love grew instantly. I met some of my closest friends to this day through the youth academy at San Ramon Golf Club, a Youth on Course golf course and took off on my golf journey from there. The challenge of competing with myself brought out my strong competitive spirit, and my love for the game grew by making practices and rounds fun through games and time with friends.”

As soon as she turned five, Sydney joined Youth on Course and began taking full advantage of the program’s accessible rounds.

“Nearly every night after academy sessions, my friends and I would go out to play until it got dark in the summer, and we would have such a great time. I remember endless laughs and smiles that have forever shaped my love for golf and passion for the game.”

A pivotal moment in her journey came during the 2016 Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic at Lake Merced Golf Club. There, Sydney met one of her idols and experienced what it felt like to walk inside the ropes.

“During that same tournament, I wanted to follow Stacy Lewis for a while and get to see her game up close, as I’ve always admired her as a player as well. My parents and I came for the practice round days, so there wasn’t a huge crowd. A couple of holes after I started following Stacy, she asked me to join her on the course and walk a few holes with her. I was thrilled to walk inside the ropes with one of my favorite players and learn how to read her yardage book, as well as ask her all the 9-year-old golf questions that came to mind! This moment forever changed my outlook on golf, and I knew it wasn’t just about growing my own game, but also about ensuring the game around me is growing in a positive direction. I enjoy giving back to the game that has given me so much today and make it a goal to leave the game in a better spot than I found it.”

Sydney stayed active in other sports growing up, but golf remained her focus. At 13, she committed to chasing her LPGA dreams. Support from Sequoyah Country Club, and especially the Junior Merit Program, played a key role in her development as a competitive golfer.

With over 100 Youth on Course rounds played, she credits Youth on Course as a driving force behind her success.

“I would not have been able to play so many rounds with my family and friends throughout the years without Youth on Course, so having this access has meant everything from helping me succeed in competition, but more importantly, growing a love for the game.”

Now, Sydney is headed to the University of Arizona to play Division 1 golf. 

“I’m thrilled to embark on this journey and be a student-athlete at the University of Arizona, continuing to develop my golf skills and expand my connections. Go Cats and Bear Down!”

Looking ahead to college and beyond, Sydney’s focus is clear: grow in skill, stay creative, and trust her journey.

“My motto has always been ‘Trust your process.’ Everyone’s process and path look different, so that’s why I say ‘your process’ and not ‘the process.’ Success defines itself through the individual. My future goals revolve around this exact motto. To continue trusting my journey. Know when to push a little harder and know when to give myself breaks. Continue to get to know myself better to maximize my potential each day as an athlete, student, and, most importantly, as a well-rounded person.”

Sydney would like to thank her incredible support system: Sydney extends her heartfelt thanks to: Youth on Course for making golf affordable and accessible from the start, The University of Arizona, Coach Tom and the NorCal Golf Academy team, Coach Gene and Coach Howard at Elevate Golf Academy, Bishop O’Dowd High School’s faculty and athletics staff, her supportive friends, and her parents, Matt and Trudie Silva, for always being by her side.

Sydney Silva’s story is one of inspiration, determination, and heart. With her drive, support system, and the foundation laid by Youth on Course, the future is bright, not just for her, but for the game of golf she loves so deeply.

Your journey matters, too. Whether you’re just beginning or already chasing big goals, your story has the power to inspire others.