Molly Molyneaux was caught off-guard when notified recently she had won a national golf award.
It is no surprise, given the fact she didn’t know she was nominated for the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s Helena Harbridge Sportsmanship Award. After researching the award, she was humbled to have been selected.
“There are so many golfers in Canada to be that one person that was chosen they thought best exemplified her was just (overwhelming),” she told The Guardian Thursday.
The 17-year-old Charlottetown golfer is the first Atlantic Canadian to winner the award, which comes with a trophy and lifetime membership to the association.
Harbridge passed away in 2006 during her freshman year at West Georgia University.
The award is presented in her memory and recognizes the same qualities of sportsmanship, dedication, and contribution to golf Harbridge exemplified.
Molyneaux is in the process of signing papers to attend Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia on a golf scholarship next fall. She will be playing in the same state Harbridge did.
“I really hope I can live up to expectations that everybody seems to have of me,” the Colonel Gray student said. “I really hope I don’t let anybody down.”
My parents have pushed me from Day 1. I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without them. - Molly Molyneaux
As some details were still being finalized, she would not disclose the value of the scholarship. She plans on taking a science and pursue a career in medicine.
It’s been quite the year for Molyneaux.
She went to Scotland this summer as one of two Canadian girls to play in the Euro Junior Golf Cup, won the A&S Scrap Metal P.E.I. Island Open ladies’ division and was named the province’s junior girls’ golfer of the year.
She is quick to thank her parents, Norah Molyneaux and John Hastelow, for believing and supporting her throughout her career.
“My parents have pushed me from Day 1,” she said. “I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without them.”
She said people across the Island have also been very supportive and have encouraged her along the way.
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Molly Molyneaux
u Age - 17
u Hometown - Charlottetown
u High school - Colonel Gray.
u Sport - Golf
u The Latest - Was named the recipient of the Helena Harbridge Sportsmanship Award by the Canadian Junior Golf Association.
u Next Year - Plans on attending Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah Georgia on a golf scholarship.
