IJGA Hosts 2018 College Signing Day
IJGA student-athletes celebrated their pursuit of higher education at the annual Spring Commitment Ceremony in the new IJGA Performance Training Center .
In 2018 , 100 % of IJGA seniors will go on to college , most earning scholarship opportunities .
“ I ’ m so in awe of our college-bound seniors ,” said Andrew Summers , IJGA CEO . “ We know how hard you ’ ve worked to make your dreams of playing college golf a reality . We can ’ t wait to see what you do on and off the course as you move away from your second home at IJGA , and know that you are always welcome to return .”
The list of student-athletes honored : Haruka Shintani – Setagaya , Japan Early Commitment to University of Hawaii ( DI ) Highlights : Qualified for the USGA Junior Amateur Championship and played in the Major Champions Invitational with John Daly ’ s team . Her lowest tournament round was a 72 at the Jr . Heritage Qualifier .
Shintani is excited to be a Hawaii Rainbow Warrior and also to be a little closer to home . Her character is a driving force behind her development as a player . Whenever something is asked of her , she always responds positively . One of her greatest strengths within the game is her desire to compete . No matter what the course or the conditions , she is ready to play . Her long-term goal is to play on the LPGA .
Mao Hirota – Nagoya , Japan Commitment to Marymount California University ( NAIA ) Highlights : Hirota is excited to go to California for the warm and sunny weather ! He plans to pursue a business undergraduate degree , and then an MBA . What drives him is making his parents proud . He believes he is well prepared to blend his time on the golf course with academics .
Luis Martinez – Caracas , Venezuela Commitment to Nova Southeastern University ( DII ) Highlights : Low Round of 63 at Faldo Series U . S . Final . Martinez played for the Venezuelan National Team until last year , when he decided to come to IJGA to continue to develop his game for college . He will join the Sharks at Nova Southeastern to play on the # 3 ranked Division II team . Luis plays in the low 70 ’ s and will repeatedly play under par . 4
Under par rounds include 63 at the Faldo Series Grand Final at Bella Collina in Florida . Martinez thrives on competition , excels in pressure situations and when he has a putt for the win , he will often smile as he steps to make the final putt , almost knowing that he will make it . Martinez ’ long-term goal is to play on the PGA Tour .
Leo Hernandez – Bluffton , SC ( New Jersey ) Commitment to Newberry College ( DII ) Highlights : Leo will join one of the top ranked Division II teams at Newberry College where he gets to stay in the south and play against some great teams in the South Atlantic Conference .
One of Leo ’ s greatest attributes is his desire to improve and how he applies himself . Leo has developed his golf game and regularly shoots low scores . Leo is a great team player and is supportive of his fellow players . He is also very independent , enabling him to concentrate on his own game .
Pwint Phoo Nadi Khaing “ Fiona Wang ” – Myanmar Commitment to Western Michigan University ( DI ) Highlights : Fiona developed her golf game at IJGA in short amount of time . She competed at AJGA , Optimist and the Trusted Choice Big I National Championship . She also played in the Faldo Major Champions Invitational for John Daly ’ s Team .
One of Fiona ’ s greatest attributes is that she is an amazing team player . With a number of tournament wins under her belt , Fiona is fully aware of what it takes to compete and win . Through with her relaxed demeanor and strong character she will surely succeed and achieve her goals within the game of golf and in her education .