Matthew NeSmith, former AJGA player and current PGA TOUR professional, continues to support the AJGA as a tournament host. His successful junior career helped pave the way to playing for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and ultimately earning a spot on the PGA TOUR.
NeSmith reflects on his time as a junior and the lessons he learned through the AJGA. When asked about his junior career, he recalls not only the positive memories of being named Rolex Junior Player of the Year and a two-time Rolex Junior All-American but also the pressure that came with those accomplishments—pressure that taught him valuable lessons for the next level of competitive golf. "Rolex Junior Player of the Year was always a goal of mine, but as a young player, I wasn't sure if it was attainable," says NeSmith. Honors like these served as motivation to become an elite amateur golfer.
"Becoming Rolex Junior Player of the Year was all I could have ever asked for in my junior career and was my greatest junior accomplishment."
Some aspects of the game NeSmith likes to keep front of mind when facing challenges are the very things that inspired him to start playing in the first place. “My dad loved the game, so when I was younger, I would want to go out and hang out with him,” he says. What began as a way to spend time with his dad quickly turned into a love for the game itself.
"I became enamored with the sport because I just loved being out there—being with my family, the camaraderie, and the entirety of the sport."
Perspective is also important to NeSmith. Competitiveness naturally comes with the game. “We are all very competitive—we want to win, and we want to play great golf—but at the same time, it's something we do for fun,” he says. NeSmith keeps the bigger picture in mind, always reminding himself that each time he tees it up, he’s doing something he loves.
"The AJGA gave me such an amazing opportunity to travel the country and play golf. It prepared me for what I was going to do for the rest of my golfing career."
As an AJGA alumnus, NeSmith offers advice to current players: “A big thing for me and my journey is learning that this stuff takes time. Everybody, at some point, goes through their own struggles.” He emphasizes the importance of staying patient along the way.
“Comparison is the thief of joy. It’s hard not to compare yourself, but that’s where a lot of my perspective started.”
Lastly, NeSmith reflects on what matters most. “It’s easy to get caught up in the tournament and playing, but some of my best memories are the friendships I made at the AJGA. It’s much more than golf.” His message to current players: “Work hard, but enjoy the heck out of it.”
NeSmith continues to support the AJGA because he wants juniors to know that “you can do anything you put your mind to.” He’s passionate about giving back to the game that has given him so much.
“Hosting a tournament in my home state feels like the least I can do."