In this month’s edition of our Team Florida Spotlight, we highlight Alexandra Phung. Phung is a four-time participant and two-time champion of the Drive, Chip and Putt, but there is so much more about her than just what she has been doing on the golf course.
Most people dream of being able to experience Augusta National in a competitive atmosphere. Alexandra has been able to live out that dream four times, giving her the opportunity to not only see it for herself, but also bringing senior members as her chaperone from her home club and even local Augusta residents who do not have the means to do so otherwise. One of those people is Caroline Deese, a nine year old Augusta local who has never gotten the opportunity to see Augusta National. Not only did Phung get Caroline tickets for the Drive Chip and Putt Finals, but also provided her and her family tickets to the Monday practice round.
Alexandra’s fan base has grown through the years, meeting numerous ANGC members and becoming a local favorite. The members have begun giving her nicknames such as “ice”, & “short-game wizard”. With this newfound popularity, Team Phung has grown. The Phung family began creating hats to give out to different popular sports stars such as Tiger Woods, Mike Tirico, and even being promised a “jersey swap” by the great Christiano Ronaldo.
Arriving at Augusta National for her 4th time this year gave Alexandra the opportunity to meet and become closer with some of her favorites growing up. “The coolest person I got to meet was Nancy Lopez,” Phung said. “I got to talk to her for a while and she even offered to be a mentor to me since she lives close to me down in South Florida”. Along with Lopez, Alexandra spent some time with Mike Tirico. Many of you know Tirico as the play-by-play announcer for Sunday Night
Football, but he also calls The Masters. Giving Alexandra some inspiring words after winning Drive Chip and Putt for the second time this year, Tirico said, “if you can compete out here, you can do it anywhere in the world.” Hearing this is a huge confidence booster for Phung and she looks forward to proving that moving forward.
Alexandra Phung believes it is an extreme honor to be able to be a part of Team Florida. “The help the FSGA provides financially and the opportunities it gives me has been great,” Phung said. On the course, she has been able to finish second in her only FJT this year, while racking up six FJT victories over the span of her career. She loves the chance to represent Florida and looks forward to doing that and representing the United States in Panama and Puerto Rico in events coming soon!
Alexandra Phung’s inspiring story of not only being a great golfer, but doing everything she can to use her talents to give others incredible opportunities is just another reason why Team Phung continues to grow. Make sure to follow along as Alexandra continues her junior golf journey!
