(October 15, 2013)–Jared Alan Wayne Simmons, AKA “Tiger Junior”, is a bright 15-year old growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina. Simmons’ extreme love for his hometown is mainly for the variety of sports activities that are available in the area. This keeps him happy: skating, soccer, video games, playing piano, and going to the numerous parks that surround the area. However, one particular sport— golf, keeps him captivated! And he is reaching for the stars.
It was his father, Calvin, who first got him interested. When his son was only 2-3 years old, he purchased a set of golf clubs from K-Mart. Today, the youngster is attempting to complete “Eagle Level” at The First Tee Charlotte and will soon have a designated handicap.
And, he is gaining lots of attention from his unique nickname, “Tiger Junior.” It’s a signature name that both are hoping everyone will know very soon. The mantra was bestowed on him by his father who has visions of his son becoming the next, great black golfer to take the world by awe. His trademark look is not a red golf shirt, rather, dark blue— or some combination of black and blue, with pants and a matching golf cap. Clean and sleek.
“Tiger Junior” knows exactly what competion is all about. He plays on the Vance High School golf team and has been a devoted member of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association (SCJGA) located in York County, Clover, S.C., since 2009. His coaches, Susan and Tommy ‘Tiger’ Jordan serve as co-presidents.
He was on the team when they won a contest between Martin Luther King Jr. Middle vs. Coulwood Middle School (2010) and was named MVP (Most Valuable Player) for MLK Jr. golf team for two straight years (2010-2012). During 7th and Grade 8th it was his Coach Massey who gave him lots of inspiration and instruction.
“I won a putting contest at Northstone when I was 8-years old. It was during a summer golf session with Coach Pedro, around July 2008. My score was 51,” says Tiger Junior, who has played in the Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) Alumni event yearly since 2011.
Other prime opportunities for gaining experience on terrific courses over the last three years include his rounds at Pinehurst Resort (2012), Pine Island (October 2012 and October 26, 2013), and Ballantye Resort (2011).
His dad, Calvin Simmons, serves as his caddie and manager while his mother, Weedashun Wise Simmons, makes certain that he’s eating right, studying schoolwork and gaining g good social skills. “My favorite subject in school is science—I like knowing how stuff works and experimenting, says the 10th grader. One thing is for sure, neither of his parents will have to worry about their son’s confidence level, because, he’s already forecasting it for himself:
“I will win 2/3, or 67%, of all tournaments that I play in after receiving proper training in the future.”
(Photo left: “Tiger Junior” with Tiffany Anselment (LPGA), his putting & chipping coach at Skybrook Golf Course 2011.)
When he’s not playing with one of his local organizations, or not golfing with his father, he plays rounds with his brother Daniel, or sister Rachel, near their home at Revolution Golf Course in Charlotte. The old home course to many legendary black golfers who played there. Most recently, it was renamed and dedicated in honor of the first African American to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Dr. Charlie Sifford.
“Tiger Junior” is working to achieve his dream and is active in the National Junior Golf Tournament (NJGT), The First Tee of Charlotte (TFTC) and the Youth Golf Foundation of North Carolina (YGFNC). The friendly youth has an entrepreneurial streak, too, and has formed his own sports foundation: “Junior Sports Stars”. He believes, that one day, his foundation will help sponsor golfers who need funding to continue playing on the golf tours, such exceptionally skilled professional players in need like Montrele Wells and Will Lowery.
” My dad and I will find a way to get more black golfers to the Web.Com Tour (formerly the Nationwide Tour) than anybody else ever has. They can use this as a bridge to play on The PGA Tour—My father is a golf genius,” says the confident youngster, “He keeps 
me motivated to play my best. But, I know that I will need a sponsor so, that I can continue to be better, and really become the next Tiger Woods.”
“For the last two years, Mr. James Black (Rocky Mount, NC) has been my main golf instructor. His coaching has helped me to improve my short game of putting and chipping. I still have a lot to learn about all of the rules, but the more I play, the more I will learn them.”
(Photo L-R: Golf professional James Black, “Tiger Junior” and his father Calvin Simmons)
Mr. Black is considered a child prodigy and self-taught caddy, his skills made history in 1964, at age 21, when he became the first black golfer to shoot 67 in the first round on the first day of his first professional golf tournament, The Los Angeles Open.
Practicing alongside legends like Mr. James Back, we’re sure “Tiger Junior” is well on his way to achieving his dream. Keep up with him on his website: Tiger.Junior1.com
