Born in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, 15-year-old Misha Golod is finding purpose playing golf. “This sport went from being a hobby,” Misha told us. “To being the meaning of life.”
When Russia invaded his parents sent Misha to the United States. A son chasing professional golf dreams while mom and dad are living in a war zone. “He keeps telling me they’re alright. I don’t have to worry about them,” Misha said. “I don’t have to do anything. I just have to focus on myself.”
Misha’s hard work is paying off. He’s competing in The Terra Cotta Invitational at the Naples National Golf Club this weekend. An event that will bring some of the best junior players to Southwest Florida.
“I’m getting a once in a lifetime opportunity to play here as a fifteen-year-old,” Misha said.
Misha is the only golfer from Ukraine in the tournament. “It means the world to represent my country on the bigger stages of golf junior golf. and I hope to represent my country on bigger stages.”
Misha is living with a host family and will attend school in Orlando this August.
He hopes to one day revive the sport of golf in his home country.