Shane Ward

Shane Ward is just 22 years old but he has achieved so much in his short golf career. As an Assistant Golf Professional at Lake Wales Country Club, Shane recently raised more than $5,000 in sponsorships for the Florida Junior Tour (FJT) event at Lake Wales. The FSGA and FJT are extremely appreciative of Shane and his dedication to junior golf.

Born and raised in Largo, Florida, Shane attended Warner Southern College in Lake Wales on a golf scholarship. After earning his Bachelors in Sports Management, Shane chose to make golf a career.

Shane was introduced to the profession by Lake Wales Head Golf Professional Bob Forward. Bob, an FSGA Tournament Chairman, made Shane realize that golf “is more than just lessons and selling tee times.” Shane started at Lake Wales and soon began getting more involved in the business side of running the golf facility. First as the pro shop attendant, Shane earned his way to Assistant Golf Professional where he handles everything from filling ice buckets to administering tournaments.

Through his work at Lake Wales and relationship with Bob Forward, Shane began volunteering with the FSGA this year. Shane also worked many of the Florida Junior Tour (FJT) events where he “had a great time and gave him the opportunity to learn the Rules in a unique way.”

Last month, Lake Wales hosted an FJT event for boys and girls ages 13-15. Shane was able to raise $5,400 in sponsorships providing the juniors and parents complimentary meals during the event. It began with a letter to the members of Lake Wales and some organizations in the community asking for their support and in return, they would get recognition at the event. “The money started to roll in and blew away the goals that I had set for myself,” said Shane. With over 20 different sponsors, the FJT was able to provide a first-class competition for Florida’s junior golfers.

In addition to working at Lake Wales, Shane is busy attending Warner Southern getting his Masters in Business Administration. In fact, Shane has been an FSGA Scholarship recipient the past two years. He also plans to complete the PGA PGM Program by December.

Always working or studying, Shane has little time for playing golf. He does make time every March to volunteer with Special Olympics. He is also getting married this summer.

Shane is a true leader for the future generation of golfers.