Today’s Junior Golfer (TJG) recently learned about AJ, a remarkable young kid who is legally blind and in need of equipment to pursue his new passion: golf. Without hesitation, we overnighted AJ a TaylorMade Stealth II Driver, which, fittingly, arrived on Christmas Eve. We caught up with AJ’s father, John, to learn more about AJ’s journey and his reaction to the gift.
TJG: Hi John, thank you for taking the time to speak with us about AJ and his inspiring story. How old is AJ?
John: AJ is 14 years old and currently in 8th grade.
TJG: Could you explain AJ’s disability, when it began, and how it impacts his life?
John: At the age of 4, AJ was diagnosed with multiple inoperable brain tumors. One of these tumors is located on his optic nerve, which severely affects his vision. AJ is considered legally blind—he is completely blind in his right eye and has very limited vision in his left eye.
TJG: When did AJ first start playing golf?
John: Years ago, my wife and I tried to introduce AJ to golf, but he wasn’t interested at the time. However, in 2024, after stepping away from football due to medical reasons, AJ developed a newfound interest in golf. It’s been about 4–5 months since he really started playing.
TJG: Does AJ have other golf equipment?
John: AJ initially used my 25-year-old clubs, but he’s been building his own set now. He currently has a set of T200 irons gifted by The Tennessee PGA, and thanks to Today’s Junior Golfer, he now has a Stealth II Driver. He’s also saving up to purchase a wedge with his Christmas money.
TJG: What did it mean to AJ to receive the Stealth II Driver from TJG?
John: Oh, you could see it in his smile in the photo—it meant everything to him! He never imagined having his own driver so soon and regularly says how grateful he is to learn with such high-quality equipment.
TJG: Has AJ had a chance to try out the driver yet?
John: Yes, he has! He said it will take some getting used to since he’s only ever used my old clubs, but he’s excited to practice with it.
TJG: What are some of AJ’s future goals in golf?
John: AJ hopes to continue playing recreationally, practicing as much as he can. His goal is to play golf in high school and, if it’s in God’s plan, take his game to the next level.
TJG: Can you share more about AJ’s health and what the future might hold?
John: With AJ’s diagnosis, we’ve been told he may eventually lose his eyesight completely. We pray every day that doesn’t happen and that his tumors remain stable. When he was first diagnosed, doctors told us he wouldn’t live more than a few months, and we should start saying our goodbyes. But here we are, 10 years later. AJ is a fighter, and we’re confident he’ll continue to defy the odds for many years to come.
TJG: Do you have any final thoughts or words?
John: AJ is incredibly grateful, and our entire family feels blessed. We’re so thankful for your generous gift. We hope one day to give back and support the amazing work you’re doing at Today’s Junior Golfer.
TJG: Where can people follow AJ’s journey online?
John: You can follow AJ’s journey on Facebook and on X (formerly Twitter).
*TJG highly recommends you watch a heartwarming video of AJ with NFL quarterback Josh Dobbs on YouTube, highlighting their unique friendship and AJ’s inspiring success on his high school football team: Watch Here.
