From Summer Camp to Championships: Jonah’s Journey

TAMPA, Fla. –  A true Florida native, Jonah Wasserstrom grew up in Hollywood, FL playing every sport possible. His fall into the sport of golf wasn't a lightning bolt moment, instead, it was the gentle influence of his grandfather and the allure of every Major PGA event constantly being on the TV.

"I would go to my Grandfather’s and, you know, I would hang out with him and he'd be watching major championship golf. I remember being super enthusiastically interested in watching what was happening.”

His curiosity ended and his passion began when his Grandfather got him his first set of kids golf clubs. “I signed up for summer camp right then and there and immediately fell in love with the game,”Wasserstrom reflected, “I haven’t stopped playing since.”

Since starting at age 11, Wasserstrom has derived fulfillment from golf, initially testing his skills against other players and later developing a profound appreciation for the sport's etiquette, camaraderie, and diverse event formats.

"So, I guess in general, the entire environment of the golf world is just so right up my alley," Wasserstrom states. "You know, I still love it very much to this day."

The conversation shifted to Wasserstrom’s successes on the course, which saw many triumphs during the 2023 season, pouring over into this 2024 season. Last year he was a part of the Southeastern Challenge Team and finished 4th in the 106th Amateur Championship, while this year he has advanced to the final qualifying for this year's U.S. Open. When asked what he can contribute his success to, Wasserstrom answered, “I just think a little bit more experience, continuing to play, and having love for the game.” He mentioned, as he has gotten older, he is better able to calm his nerves, get on a run, and not look back. 

In terms of what he has done to prepare for his upcoming tournaments, the U.S. Open Final Qualifier and 107th Amateur Championship, Wasserstrom simply stated “Anything and everything.” He nodded his appreciation to the other men in the field and their pure talent. As any good golfer, Wasserstrom is hyper aware that no matter who you’re playing in the field, the biggest opponent is still the course itself. “I'm trying to be as well prepared as I can,” he states “But ultimately, you know, it's still me versus the golf course.”

After being the first alternate in the U.S. Amateur three times, Wasserstrom’s dreams, not complete without his dedication, were answered when he got to play in his first USGA event, the 2023 U.S. Amateur Wasserstrom stated “I know what it felt like to miss out by a very close margin.” as he was first alternate three separate times, “So it was super sweet to be there, and I very much enjoyed my experience.”

When asked how the FSGA helped him prepare for his first USGA event, Wasserstom quickly answered that not only did the FSGA help with his preparation, but they were his entire preparation. He accredits the FSGA for a lot of his successes, much past his USGA appearance. “So many people with successful golf careers began through the FSGA, and there’s a specific reason for that. The competition is fierce, the courses are tremendous, and there is no better competition until you get to the USGA level.”

Playing in many tournaments throughout the years, Wasserstrom is particularly fond of tournaments following a Match Play style. Between his ability to really get to know the course through several rounds and a sense of relaxation where if you hit a bad shot, it may only result in the loss of a single hole, Wasserstrom follows the belief of “The more golf the better.”

Golf remains in a constant state of evolution, attracting new players daily. When questioned about his counsel for newcomers, Wasserstrom emphasized the importance of enjoyment, particularly for children. His advice is simply to "Have fun and swing hard." He underscored the notion that golf is intended to be a fun sport, advocating for kids to truly enjoy their time on the course, gradually refining their accuracy over time.

As Jonah Wasserstrom reflects on his journey from an enthusiast to a seasoned competitor in the world of golf, one thing remains crystal clear: his unwavering love for the sport. From the early days spent watching Major PGA events with his grandfather to the countless hours honing his skills on the course, golf has been both his passion and his sanctuary.

As he looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities that await him, Wasserstrom remains steadfast in his belief that the essence of golf lies in the joy of the game itself. In Wasserstrom's journey, we find not just the story of a golfer, but a testament to the power of a game that captures the minds of players young and old, novice and seasoned alike.