Exemplary Eagles: Seventh-grader Luca A. and Fifth-grader Lorenzo A.

Two-year-old Luca watched with wide eyes as his father presented a gift from his newborn brother, Lorenzo: a tiny golf club. Becoming a big brother was a momentous occasion, and this gift, more than just a toy, would symbolize their sibling bond and the beginning of a shared passion. "I started playing [golf] then and never stopped," Luca said.

As Lorenzo grew up, he followed in his brother's footsteps. "When I was two, Luca started teaching me to play with that same tiny club," he said. 

For brothers Luca A. and Lorenzo A., golf is more than a sport—it's a family legacy. Their grandfather, a seasoned golfer with four decades of experience, taught the sport to their father, who, in turn, introduced the game to his sons. What began as a leisurely pastime soon became a driving force in their lives.

As the boys grew, so did their ambitions. Family outings to São Paulo Golf Club became training sessions for international tournaments. Over the years, they transformed their home to support their aspirations, equipping it with a simulator and a backyard putting green.

By the age of five, Luca participated in his first competition. He traveled with his father to Florida, where he played a series of games and placed third overall. "On the first hole, I was nervous, but then I just let the game flow,” he said. "The experience was meaningful to me because I started to think about playing professionally." 

Lorenzo made his debut even earlier. At just three years old, he stood before the first tee, a vast expanse of green stretching out wider than his eyes could see. Anticipation and nervousness filled his body as he swung his club. By four, he proudly earned his first medal for fifth place. "There is a video from that moment where I am trying to hold myself back because I was too happy," he said.

Since then, the brothers have taken on tournaments around the world, from the Texas Open, in which Lorenzo claimed first place, to the World Championship in North Carolina, where Luca placed seventh among 160 players. More recently, they conquered the South American Championship at the Olympic course in Rio de Janeiro, each earning impressive second-place finishes. Their talent has been recognized by the Brazilian Golf Federation, and the brothers have been invited to join the Brazilian National Golf Team. 

Golf has taught Luca and Lorenzo more than just strategy and technique; it has instilled resilience, emotional control, and the value of hard work. "It helps you learn how to handle emotions and focus on what needs improvement," Lorenzo explained. "And it's fun to hit the ball!" Luca added with a laugh.

Beyond the green, the brothers’ commitment to golf is matched by their dedication to personal growth and academics.

“Lorenzo is a hard worker who, whether on the course or in the classroom, always has a smile on his face and a kind word,” said Lorenzo’s grade 5 teacher, John Wolfe. “He demonstrates in all areas of his life what I believe we mean when we talk about a Graded Eagle.”

Like his brother, Luca’s hard work also extends to the classroom.

“Sometimes, athletes have a hard time managing their busy training schedules and their academics, but Luca finds time to make sure he's doing his best in school as well as in golf,” said Kristin Nugent, Luca’s advisor and math teacher. “He's very humble about his success and cares more about being the best he can, not just winning.”

Looking ahead, Lorenzo dreams of ascending to the top of the world rankings, while Luca envisions a future in the United States, pursuing a professional golf career alongside higher education. Inspired by legends like Tiger Woods and young Brazilian champion Bento Assis, the brothers are determined to stay the course, driven by the belief that every swing brings them closer to reaching their goals.

 

 

Graded Golfers Rise to the Top Congratulations to sixth-grader Luana K., who was also invited to join the Brazilian National Golf Team alongside Luca and Lorenzo! Luana has been golfing since the age of three and competing since she was eight. She recently took first place in her category at a tournament in Curitiba and, along with Lorenzo, is one of the two youngest players selected for the national team.