Teenage Golfer Excels Despite Physical Challenge
Sophia Howard gets inspiration from joining the LPGA Tour’s Korda Sisters
By Tom Lang
Sophia Howard is one of those motivated kids who show us all that a physical challenge doesn’t mean you can’t play this wonderful game of golf – and also do it well.
The 14-year-old from Hudsonville was born without a right hand, yet she plays golf and softball competitively.
She was treated in May to playing a round of golf at The Concession par 3 course in Florida with her golfing heroes Nelly and Jessica Korda from the LPGA Tour – via the Dream On 3 Foundation – and Howard also followed the pro pair around Blythefield Country Club during their practice round for the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give – which Nelly ended up winning with a record score of 25-under.
The Korda’s said spending quality time with an energetic and motivated teenager like Howard was a treat they sometimes need reminded of since professional golf became their job.
“She’s super nice, super spunky,” Nelly Korda said. “We had a lot of fun at Concession. And she also plays softball, so I feel like it’s little bit of a similar action. She’s very athletic.
“I think you kind of realize…Oh, man, this is so cool we get to do this (golf) for the rest of our lives. That smile she has when she steps on the golf course kind of makes you appreciate (the sport) a little bit more.”
Sister Jessica Korda had similar observations about spending time with Howard.
“We see the joy in it and it kind of reminds you why you started doing what you do — this is the reason why I love playing golf,” she said before the Meijer tournament. “We were her, you know, when we were little. Just seeing the love for the game, love for being out here and just seeing like these bright eyes and taking everything in. The longer you’re out here (on Tour) you kind of forget how cool it is. To see it from somebody else’s perspective is really special.”
Howard is going into the 9th grade at Hudsonville High School in August and plans to try out for the girls’ golf team. She grips the club with her left hand and videos show she keeps her lower right arm in contact with the club the entire swing to add some stability. She’s learned that a closed club face works best for her getting out of bunkers.
Since the trio first meet at Concession, they have maintained a group chat by cell phone.
“It’s more surreal to me knowing that my idols take time out of their day to come chat with me,” Howard said. “So, I think that’s very eye opening to me, saying that my idols are willing to take time out of their busy day and come and have a conversation, whether in person or on the phone. That’s very surreal to me.”
When a reporter mentioned that she is the inspiration to many others, Howard responded:
“I think my physical challenge doesn’t have anything to do with it. I may look different, but I think I’m just another average person. I go out and do the game of golf how everybody else does and I don’t let that stop me. Just go out and kill it.
“I think it takes a little push to get yourself out there right away, but I think once you do, you’ll find out that like it’s not a huge deal. You’re just like everybody else…Us people who have a different physical appearance will realize that it doesn’t matter we look this way or we play differently.”
Note: Photos courtesy of Emby Taylor Photography.
