Amy Bockerstette has already been setting the golfing world alight and the inspirational American stole the show on day one of the 2021 ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Modest! Golf Management.
The 22-year-old blazed a trail as she became the first person with Down Syndrome to play in a national collegiate championship in the United States and she became an internet sensation when she parred the famous 16th alongside Gary Woodland at TPC Scottsdale in 2019.
Her statement of "I got this" before holing her putt became a moment of its own and she will have made plenty more memorable moments this week in Northern Ireland.
First she was called by European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) professional Brendan Lawlor and surprised to find that her favourite pop star Niall Horan was on the call.
The moment @NiallOfficial and @AmyGolfsNDances finally met 😊#WorldInvitational https://t.co/RLwhA4ugvN pic.twitter.com/I6dWKA4YHT
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 28, 2021
Former One Direction star Horan invited Amy to come to Northern Ireland and see the tournament but it did not stop there.
Amy got to meet her idol, play with him in the pro-am and hit the opening tee shot at the event.
"I loved it," she said. "I loved hitting my first tee shot at the opening. I had so much fun. Also Niall was proud of me. It was fun.
Two days Amy will never forget 💖
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 28, 2021
After meeting her hero @NiallOfficial last night, today @amygolfsndances got to play in the Pro-Am with the Tournament Ambassador.#WorldInvitational pic.twitter.com/W47TwarTXi
"I'm so happy to be with Niall. Last Tuesday before the reception, I went into the room and Niall surprised me and we had so much fun.
"I was with mom for Wednesday. I played the pro-am with Niall like three holes and I'm very happy for that."
Amy was not the only person who enjoyed the pro-am on Wednesday, with Horan enjoying his time with a "very special young lady".
On the tee from the USA.. @AmyGolfsNDances 👏
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 29, 2021
Amy gets play underway at the #WorldInvitational. pic.twitter.com/dGtOz0ukBP
"It was so incredible and I am so thankful Amy made the trip over," he said. "She stands for everything this event is about and is an amazing example of someone who doesn’t let anything get in her way.
"For her to hit the opening tee shot was a proud moment for me and the team at Modest! Golf.
"It was great to meet Amy finally having tried to make it happen prior to the pandemic. I respect her so much and think she will continue to inspire so many people to get into the game. She is such a credit to her whole family. A very special young lady."
