This year marked the 12th season of our “I Heart Golf” Program and our 11th year at Haggin Oaks — a place that has truly become a second home for our heart families. We welcomed 9 new families and had 38 golfers participate. The smiles on the little ones’ faces as they gripped their clubs for the first time were nothing short of priceless.
Our season kicked off in February with a skill assessment, helping us group golfers by ability to ensure they are both challenged and having fun.
Par+ golfers are our newest and often littlest players, ages 4–6, just learning the game.
Par golfers are working on foundational skills and technique.
Birdies are nearly ready for the course, refining their form and focus.
Eagles, our most advanced players, were able to tee off and complete 9 holes this year—thanks to families who arrived early and supported the full-course experience.
This was our second season playing in memory of Ava Bolima, one of our original “I Heart Golf” participants who passed away on March 12, 2024. This year, we were proud to award the 2nd Ava Bolima Memorial Scholarship to Gwyneth (Gwen) O’Brien, a senior at St. Francis High School and heart-healthy sibling of CHD warrior Liam. Gwen, who has participated in our program since 2014 alongside Ava, will attend St. Mary’s on a rowing scholarship. Gwen’s younger brother Connor is also part of the program, making this moment all the more meaningful.
The scholarship, sponsored by The Corlett and Kaufman Family and awarded through the Morton Golf Foundation, honors Ava’s legacy and supports a graduating senior who is either a heart child or a sibling of one.
We wrapped up this season on the front side of the driving range at Haggin Oaks, where golfers tested their putting on the Lil’ McKenzie Course and explored the Top Tracer Technology for interactive fun. A special shout out to Leatherby’s Ice Creamery everyone enjoyed ice cream to celebrate the end of our season. Parents enjoyed seeing all the amenities Haggin Oaks has to offer. As McKenzie Paul, a heart mom, said:
“I see spending several evenings out here with our family enjoying golf, good food, and music. Thank you for sharing this gem with us.”
Many heart parents are told their children will never be able to play sports—but golf is one sport that can be played without restriction. We asked Dr. Teimour Nasirov, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon, why he recommends golf:
“Golf is a great sport and outlet for our cardiac patients. It is fun, competitive, and provides an aerobic workout that will not overly stress the heart. The kids enjoy the outdoors and learn teamwork. We hope more cardiac patients get the opportunity to experience the benefits of golf.”
We’re incredibly proud of how far this program has come, and what it continues to offer our heart kids and their families. We are excited for “I Heart Golf” 2026.
Stay tuned! Registration for the 2026 season opens January 1, 2026, with dates announced in late November/early December. “I Heart Golf” is commitment to attend five Saturday sessions from February through June. “I Heart Golf” is a commitment just like any other sport kids play.
Watch Morton Golf Foundation Scholarship Winners Gwen and Hannah sharing memories of Ava Bolima, Gwen was the 2nd recipient of The Ava Bolima Memorial Scholarship.
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