Taylor Ross is no stranger to the green. Her love of golf began during father-daughter trips as far back as she can remember. Those bonding trips slowly turned into a hobby, which was fostered into a gift – one that took her from Noblesville to the National Drive, Chip and Putt Masters in Augusta, Georgia.
Ross qualified for the competition this year after her fifth attempt. She represented the Hoosier state in the 12-13 division of the competitions in early April as one of only three 12-year-olds in the group. Her family accompanied her and, joined by other golfers and friends, Ross prepared for the competition ahead.
Participants ranging in age from 7 to 15 took part, resulting in eight winners – four boys and four girls from each age group. Ross completed 10th in her division.
“The coolest part about going was the whole experience,” says Ross. “I got to meet several pros who signed my flag and I really like the course we were on. The grass didn’t even look real, it was so green.”
As part of the competition, Ross also had the opportunity to engage with other golfers from across the country and have dinner with Augusta members, celebrities, LPGA golfers and friends before the event kicked off. One highlight she notes was meeting celebrity golfers Jordan Spieth, Harris English and Shane Lowry.
Ross expresses pride at being chosen, and although she felt the pressure of a large audience, she fell back on her focus and her love of the game.
“It’s definitely a nerve-wracking experience and it feels almost unreal,” she says. “There were a ton of people watching and you just have to keep focusing on your caddie. I just focused on what I needed to improve and I didn’t compare myself to others. That’s how I always play.”
Despite any intimidation she may have felt, Ross expresses only gratitude at the opportunities she has been given as an elite golfer. She particularly loves to travel and meet other golfers. Her favorite destinations are Augusta, Scioto, Oakland Hills, Trump National Doral and Pinehurst.
While she plans to continue golfing throughout her school and collegiate years, Ross doesn’t harbor plans of professional golfing. She hopes to be a nurse or realtor when she grows up.
“I just love the sport and, while I know I’ll play the rest of my life, I don’t need it as a career,” she says.
Ross plans to push forward with honing her skills in the year to come, to attempt qualifications again next year. Meanwhile, she and her family will continue to travel wherever golf takes them so she can continue seeing the world and making new friends.
“My absolute favorite thing about golf is being able to meet people around the world,” she says.
When asked what advice she would impart to others wanting to advance their golf game, she offers this bit of wisdom: “Work your tail off and just keep going no matter what people say.”
Words and dedication that have no doubt been the source of her own success.
