Darius Laws, a 19-year-old student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), has just completed his first year in the PGA Management program. His journey through golf and academics has been both challenging and rewarding, culminating in his selection for the prestigious Future Entrepreneurs Program by Wells Fargo. This opportunity has set the stage for his future endeavors and provided him with invaluable experiences and connections.
Being selected for the Future Entrepreneurs Program by Wells Fargo is a significant milestone for Darius. He expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to learn from his mentor and gain a clear game plan for his future. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “It means a lot to me that I got selected for the Future Entrepreneurs Program. I learned a lot from my mentor and have a game plan for the future.” The highlight of the event was playing in the pro-am with professional golfers Tommy Fleetwood and Seamus Power, an experience he described as incredible. Darius thanked First Tee and Wells Fargo for the fantastic trip and the opportunities it presented.
Impact on Future Endeavors
Darius believes that this experience will have a profound impact on his pursuit of a professional golf career. The insights and strategies he gained from his mentor and the networking opportunities have given him a clearer path to achieving his goals. “It also gives me a game plan for how I can make it to the next level during and after college golf,” he stated. The program has not only enhanced his golf skills but also provided him with a strategic framework for his future in professional golf.
Darius’s journey in golf has significantly influenced his academic and professional development. His passion for the sport led him to major in PGA Management at UMES, where he is honing his skills and knowledge of the golf industry. Professionally, golf has opened doors to valuable internships and scholarships. He has interned at Aronimink Golf Club and received the Caves Valley scholarship, with plans to intern at Caves Valley next summer. These opportunities have provided him with hands-on experience and industry insights that are crucial for his career.
The mentorship and networking opportunities provided through the Wells Fargo Pro-Am event have been pivotal for Darius. He plans to leverage these connections to further his career in golf and entrepreneurship. Maintaining relationships with his mentors and the professionals he met during the event will be key to his ongoing development and success.
Balancing his academic commitments at an HBCU with his passion for golf and entrepreneurial pursuits has been a challenge for Darius. To overcome this, he plans to create a daily schedule that prioritizes his time commitments and disciplines himself to stick to this rigorous schedule. “I plan to make a daily schedule of my time commitments and be disciplined to accomplish my rigorous schedule,” he explained.
Darius is also committed to giving back to his community, particularly to young individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. He plans to volunteer with the Delaware First Tee Chapter during the summer sessions and work with the summer golf camps at Aronimink Golf Club. By sharing his knowledge and passion for golf, he hopes to inspire and support the next generation of golfers.
Darius Laws exemplifies dedication, discipline, and a commitment to both personal and professional growth. His journey through golf and academia, coupled with the opportunities provided by the Future Entrepreneurs Program, has positioned him for a promising future. As he continues to navigate his path at UMES and beyond, Darius’s story serves as an inspiration to other young individuals striving to balance multiple pursuits and make a positive impact in their communities.
