Zetarri Samuel shows off his autographed golf ball signed by Long Drive Champion Maurice Allen.
BY AAGD STAFF
April 19, 2019
Zetarri Samuel, at just 8-years-old, is a straight-A second-grade student who reads and writes at a 6th-grade level. Born in Sacramento, Calif, he loves the Valley weather that is almost always perfect for year-round golf. First Introduced to the game by his parents, Toyin and Lamarr Samuel, who bought Zetarri a set of youth clubs and applied for a golfership for golf camp.
Their efforts are the reason Zetarri became a fanatic of the sport. Their son’s quick interest launched him into building his skills with membership status in several organizations including The First Tee of Greater Sacramento, Youth on Course, Sacramento Area Black Golf Club junior program (S.A.B.G.C) and the One Swing Golf Academy.
Zetarri attends Home School at California Prep and often plays golf with his dad at their home course, Bing Maloney, and at Campus Commons G.C. a 9-hole executive length golf course located near the campus of Sacramento State University.
“I love history and math, says the youngster whose favorite meal is butterfly shrimp, rice and veggies. “I love learning about Afro-American history, because, my ancestors and my heritage have paved the way for me to be in the position that I am in today. And, I love Math because I like counting numbers.”
Well, the numbers Zetarri is counting on the golf course could change his life tremendously if he stays on track with the training that he has received through Youth on Course, an organization that provides youth with access to affordable golf at hundreds of participating courses for $5 or less. This has been pivotal to Zetarri growing in the sport and it has given him the opportunity to play dozens of rounds of golf.
Zetarri Samuel (photos courtesy Lamarr Samuel)
“I trained with several instructors at the Haggin Oaks Golf Course during Summer Camp,” he says. “Golf is a challenging sport that allows me to focus, strategize and hit the ball. My golf training has helped me a lot by enabling me to work on my swing, learn the game and work with other golfers.”
Coach Michael Craft, a Prarie View A&M University alum works closely with Zetarri to help him maintain his focus and grow his skill level. Coach Craft is a stickler for keeping his golf students in line academically, emphasizing the importance of good grades and study habits.
Zetarri Samuel demonstrates his solid drive shot with a full follow-through.
At such a young age, Zetarri says he has faced many social challenges. “I went through a tremendous amount of bullying, racism, and discrimination as a young Afro-American male in the public school system. From kindergarten to the 2nd grade, it was very hard, at a time when I should be having my most fun in life,” he shared. “Golf for me is a ‘no bully’ zone.”
Zetarri is resilient and he looks forward to enjoying as much golf as possible. “The sport of golf has changed my life! My instructors and leader coaches in my home school program have had a huge impact on my goals in life. Golf is a very expensive sport, I appreciate my mom and dad for their sacrifices for me to continue to play the sport I love.” Golf camps, lessons, and rounds of play are costly and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help Zetarri continue his journey.
Zetarri’s biggest challenge: “Learning all of the rules of the game and how to keep score. Putting is also a bit challenging” These are aspects which he is determined to overcome, “while playing the game with my mom, dad, big sister, 11-year old ZetaStarr, and watching YouTube videos of golf and practicing at home on my putting turf.”
Zetarri Samuel takes a break before heading out to practice.
“The efforts that my parents put in by writing letters to golf organizations, driving me to practice, homeschooling and keeping me focused means the world to me. When I received my first golfership for Summer Camp from The First Tee of Greater Sacramento it was an awesome feeling of accomplishment! It motivated me to work hard, get good grades and be the best young man I can be in life.”
After practice, Zetarri enjoys reading and video games.
When Zetarri is not golfing, he enjoys working on puzzles, building with Legos, reading, playing Roblox and the Mario Golf game on Nintendo 64. Follow him on Instagram @zetarri-golfz.
