Meet golf's rising star, CJ Andino, who's making waves with her hole-in-one record, Steph Curry's endorsement, and a promising future with the Miami team.
At just nine years old, CJ Andino achieved what many golfers strive for in a lifetime: a hole-in-one. This remarkable feat, achieved before her tenth birthday, set her on a path to success that few can match. With multiple championship titles and a course record already under her belt, CJ is a force to be reckoned with in the golf world.
But CJ's journey to stardom wasn't always a guarantee. She started playing golf for fun, and her natural talent was noticed by the right people. Her mom, Zulmary, a physical therapist, showed a video of CJ's swing to Randy Jones, who invited her to the exclusive Deepdale Golf Club. There, she met Darrell Kestner, a PGA professional, and Dixon Boardman, the club's president, who helped shape her career.
The move to Florida, a golf-centric state, was a sacrifice for CJ and her family, but it paid off. CJ's game flourished, and she won the Florida State Golf Association Jr. Amateur Match Play Championship, the First Tee Miami Doral Jr. Classic, and the South Florida PGA Jr. Tour titles. She also set a women's course record at The Park West Palm Beach, shooting a 62, just one off the men's record.
Her success led to a commitment to the University of Miami's golf program and a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with The Daily Mail. Despite her natural talent, CJ's interest in golf wasn't always apparent, and her family had to make sacrifices to support her passion.
CJ's maturity and level-headedness are evident in her approach to goals. She's committed to becoming an All-American, winning an NCAA team championship, and perhaps even an individual title. Her future milestones are laid out like rungs on a ladder, with a famous teammate in sight.
CJ will join the Canes team, featuring Kai Trump, President Donald Trump's granddaughter. Kai's presence has already caused a stir, but CJ believes it will be a positive influence. She's met Kai once and describes her as a 'super sweet girl' who will bring attention to Miami.
The University of Miami's golf coach, Janice Olivencia, and her assistant, Jim Garren, played a crucial role in attracting CJ. Their dedication and support throughout the recruitment process made CJ feel at home. Now, with the support of Jones, Boardman, and The Daily Mail, CJ is poised for continued success and a promising future in professional golf.
