Lucas He, Founder & President

A journey that began with challenge, grew through mentorship, and became a mission to give back.

Golf was not something I grew up with. I was introduced to the game in 2020， later than many of my peers. In the beginning, it was difficult and often frustrating. Progress did not come easily, and catching up required patience, discipline, and persistence.

Over time, I came to understand what makes golf so meaningful—the strategy, the mental challenge, and the unpredictability of every shot. It taught me that although I can never fully predict where the ball will land, I must always have the courage to take the next swing.

As my skills continued to improve, I was also given the opportunity to serve as a junior coach at a golf academy. Through this experience, I began guiding younger students, helping them build interest in golf and supporting them on the course.

This year, our high school team went through a period of change and adjustment, which led me to reflect more deeply. Through this process, this non-profit initiative was born. I gradually realized that instead of relying only on my own efforts to help a limited number of students, I could create a more sustainable platform for many more young golfers.

Our goal is to provide a supportive and enjoyable environment where kids can learn the game, build confidence, and develop a lasting love for golf. Through this initiative, we give back to our school and the community, inspiring more students to discover the challenge and joy of the sport.

Isabella Cheng, President

My journey with golf did not begin with trying to perfect my swing, but with the simple joy of a group lesson. As a beginner, learning alongside other junior golfers made the sport feel less intimidating and more encouraging. Being around peers helped me feel comfortable and motivated, and that shared experience sparked my love for the game.

As I improved, I began practicing with more experienced junior golfers. Playing with older players pushed me to improve and showed me the value of learning from those with more experience.

Over time, I realized that golf is about more than just technique or performance. It teaches patience, focus, and resilience. More importantly, I learned that the game becomes more meaningful when it is shared. A welcoming and supportive environment not only helps players improve, but also shapes how they experience the sport.

This realization led me to become involved in Walnut Golf Buddies. I work to create an environment where younger kids can feel the same support and confidence I experienced when I first started.

As a student and a member of a high school golf team, I continue to develop my skills while also supporting younger golfers. I aim to share my experience on a high school golf team to help younger players prepare for that level of competition.

My goal is to build a community where kids can learn and grow together. Through mentorship and teamwork, we strive to make golf something kids enjoy and look forward to.

Through this work, I hope to inspire young golfers not only to improve their skills, but also to build friendships, gain confidence, and develop a lasting love for the game.

Brigette Wong, Co-President

Golf isn’t always easy to love at first. It can feel challenging, slow, and even discouraging—especially for beginners. But with the right environment and encouragement, that experience can completely change.

As a high school golfer, I’ve experienced firsthand the dedication, discipline, and growth that the game requires. I also understand how important early support and guidance are in helping players build confidence and stay motivated.

I’ve learned that what matters most isn’t just the game—it’s the support and community behind it. When kids feel welcomed and guided, they’re more likely to grow, improve, and truly enjoy the process.

Our goal is to introduce more kids in our local community to golf in a way that is accessible, engaging, and fun. Through mentorship from experienced high school players, we aim to remove barriers and make the game more approachable. Just as importantly, we want to create a clear pathway for growth—helping beginners develop their skills, gain confidence, and progress from learning the basics to becoming competitive players, whether at the high school level or in tournaments.

As a competitive player myself, I want to continue investing my time and effort into mentoring younger kids and giving back to my community. By sharing my experiences and supporting their journey, I hope to inspire the next generation of golfers.

Beyond golf, we strive to connect families, build friendships, and give back to our community. We’re not just teaching a sport—we’re creating opportunities for kids to gain confidence, feel supported, and grow both on and off the course.

Justin Peng, Co-President

When I first started playing golf, I thought it would be easy. It wasn’t. I remember the missed shots, the awkward swings, and the frustration that made me wonder if I was even cut out for it. There were moments I wanted to quit. But I didn’t and over time, something changed. Through consistent practice and dedication, I improved steadily.

From playing in junior tournaments and high school team matches, I’ve experienced the full journey of growing as a golfer. Along the way, I developed my skills, gained a deeper understanding of the game, and became more patient, more confident, and more willing to keep pushing forward even when things didn’t go my way.

Now as a high school golf team player, I see so many kids going through that same moment, the moment where they feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure of themselves. And I know how important it is what happens next. With the right support, that frustration can turn into confidence and that doubt can turn into growth. That’s what we care about at Walnut Golf Buddies.

Here, kids aren’t just learning golf, they’re learning alongside their golf friends, in an environment where they feel encouraged, supported, and never alone. Having gone through that same journey ourselves, we guide them with patience, understanding, and positivity. We teach strong fundamentals, but we also help kids build resilience, confidence, and the courage to keep going. Because golf isn’t just about hitting the perfect shot, it’s about learning how to handle challenges, believe in yourself, and keep improving. When kids experience that early, we’re not just helping them become better golfers, we’re growing the game and growing the future.