For Layla Phillips, 15, Class of 2029, and Roxanne Phillips, 14, Class of 2030, golf began with an unexpected invitation from the course next door.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, the sisters now live in Harbor City, California. Earlier in their childhood, the family lived beside Maggie Hathaway Golf Course, where golf balls frequently landed in their backyard. This lead to their mother writing to the course asking if the fence could be raised. Instead, the course invited the entire family to take complimentary golf lessons – setting the Phillips family on a new path in the game.
Today, both sisters are known for their powerful swings. Layla averages about 250 yards off the tee, while Roxanne averages about 230 yards. They have trained with swing coach Ted Oh since they were 8 and 9 years old. Oh, whose experience includes working with elite players such as Lydia Ko and Gina Kim, has helped develop the athletic swings that anchor their games.
Although they share a love for long drives, each sister brings a different mindset to the course.
“We’re very different players, and I think that’s what helps us,” Layla said. “I stay focused on my own goals and work hard to keep improving every day.”
Layla’s dedication paid off when she won the LA City Junior Championship, a moment she remembers as one of her proudest in golf. “Celebrating afterward with dinner at The Habit Burger Grill made the day even more memorable,” she said. “It’s my favorite burger spot.”
For Roxanne, watching her sister compete is a powerful source of motivation. “Having an older sister motivates me,” she said. “Watching Layla succeed makes me want to work even harder and challenge myself to beat her.”
One of Roxanne’s favorite golf memories came at the TGR Junior Invitational at Pebble Beach, where she met Tiger Woods. “It was an unforgettable experience,” she said, “and one of the best memories of my junior golf career.”
Away from the fairways, both sisters bring their interests and energy to school. Layla has been active on her school’s debate team and in student clubs, while Roxanne enjoys English, reading fiction, and writing whenever she has free time.
From a backyard full of golf balls to junior golf’s biggest stages, Layla and Roxanne Phillips are building their own paths in the game – while inspiring one another every step of the way.
