Maiyah Hall
(September 12, 2013)–As a brilliant kindergarten student at MacFarlane Park Elementary Magnet School, Maiyah Hall is a forward-thinking youngster who learned the game through the institution’s Golf After School Program. The 8-year old, Tampa, Florida resident, was immediately captivated by the sport and became further involved, joining the Golf After School Club at Macfarlane Park where she has thrived as a prominent member for the last 3-years. In hopes of broadening her skills even more, Maiyah took full advantage of an opportunity to meet other youngsters like herself and participated in the First Tee’s Summer Camp Program over the summer.
“I Practice once a week,” says Maiyah, whose favorite subject in school is math. At her school, MacFarlane Park Elementary, the institution prides itself through their mission: To cultivate in each student the desire to grow in wisdom, to nurture an open and curious mind, and to serve others with a generous spirit.
“I’d like to grow up to become a teacher, principal or ophthalmologist one day,” says little Maiyah with her angelic smile. And, with her excellent educational foundation that may well be the case. MacFarlane Park’s Vision is to create an advanced elementary program where students become aware of the shared humanity that binds all people together and develop respect for the variety of cultures and attitudes that adds to the richness of life…and Maiyah is right on track.
The bright-eyed youngster plays and practices mostly at the Country Way Golf Course near her home. It’s an ideal learning place for her, too. It’s a challenging executive golf course with beautiful undulating greens and fairways with water hazards coming into play on 14 holes. Maiyah gets a shot at attempting all facets of the game on these greens, and, believes that someday, she will make par here several times over.
The course’s nationally known architect is Steve Smyers, he designed Countryway as a par 61, which has seven par 4’s and eleven par 3’s. Countryway is also best known for its affordable rates and was voted by the readers of the Daily Planet as the “Best Value Golf Course in Tampa Bay”. It’s also family-owned by the Sherlock and Creighton families. Dave Creighton played professional hockey in the NHL for Boston, New York Rangers, Toronto and Chicago. His son Adam also played in the NHL for Buffalo, Chicago, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay and St. Louis.
But little Mayiah is not concerned with all of that, rather, she’s continuously learning her way through the ups-and-downs of the game. Maiyah also aims to collect as many new score cards as possible during seasonal breaks.
“I participated in Summer Camp at Rogers Park Golf Club and I just signed up, through First Tee of Tampa Bay, to play at Terrace Hill Golf Course located in Temple Terrace (FL). I enjoy golf because I like sports and it teaches me to learn how to focus and concentrate,” she says.
Maiyah has placed in the top three among girls, 3 times, at the Golf After School Program. Her coach, Rufus Lewis, has introduced and successfully guided many youth in the game while maintaining a formidable reputation with their parents. Most importantly his coaching skills and personality have just the right mix to keep the youngsters interested and challenged.
“Coach Lewis has taught me the basic fundamentals and techniques of the game of golf. But, my biggest challenge right now? Is hitting the ball very far….I would love to hit a hole-in-one, one day.”
With each practice round little Maiyah is seeing herself become better and better at golf— gaining more confidence, self-discipline; better at winning, losing, and going back for another try. When she’s has time off, this multi-talented youngster excels in gymnastics, dance, tap, ballet, hip hop and keenly expresses her lyrical talents. She’s also an excellent chess player, has strong musical abilities on the violin, and enjoys reading and tennis. Maiyah beams with brilliance and is excited about the possibilities for her future: “Although I am still young, I love playing golf and I would love to play one day for a high school or college team.”
