Shyla Brown, a 15-year-old Black teen from McKinney, Texas, is making history as the youngest African-American Junior Golf Champion. She recently became among the only four nationally ranked high school golfers selected to compete in the prestigious Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest.
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Discovering her love for golf at the age of 8, Brown followed in the footsteps of her parents who were also avid players. Brown told WFAA, “You know when you’re that young, you kind of take up what your parents are doing. I found it enjoyable.”Fast forward to today, and Shyla has climbed the ranks to become the top-ranked African American Junior Golfer. Recently, she participated in the Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest, joining the ranks of the nation’s top amateur golfers.
“It means a lot to me. The history behind Cedar Crest that’s been held there… Pioneers like Charles Sifford, walking in his footsteps, it means a lot to me,” Brown said.
What’s more, Brown has made history herself by earning a spot on the 2023 American Junior Golf All-Star Team, becoming only the second African American to receive such an honor.
“To much is given, much is required,” Brown said. “The more blessings that are given to me, the more responsibilities I hold to uphold those blessings.”
For Brown, staying consistent and disciplined is the key to success. She also draws inspiration from her family, coaches, and fellow golfers, seeing their success as a driving force for her own improvement.
“That really brings out the best of me when I see them succeeding. It makes me want to reach there,” she said.
Aside from golf tournaments and training, Brown kept herself busy balancing her education and also being a marching band member. Still, Brown remains focused on her ultimate goal — to become a professional golfer.
“I want to get through college. Go professional and not even just get on the tour. Be one of the greatest,” she said.