STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – SAL MARTINEZ

By Scott Henry

I am a USGTF golf teaching professional and the head golf coach at Sharyland Pioneer High School in Mission, Texas. The student I wish to highlight is Salvador Martinez, Jr. Sal will be a sophomore during the 2024-2025 school year. Originally from Edinburg, Texas, Sal became interested in the game of golf when his dad, Salvador, Sr., a military veteran, played golf at the military bases. Sal’s curiosity sparked him to join the golf team in junior high school.

As he learned more about the game, Sal became more and more involved. As his golf game improved, he decided to split his time with his first love, baseball. Sal earned several accolades during his freshman year, including qualifying for regionals with his top-5 finish at our district tournament, which is considered the toughest golfing district in the Rio Grande Valley. Additionally, Sal earned an honorable mention for his first year’s campaign.

Fueled by this success, Sal created a summer golf schedule balanced with practice and golf tournaments, which will allow him to improve his proficiency in the game. The plan is to continue working on his golf swing mechanics, golf course management and proficiency. After high school, Sal wants to play golf on the collegiate level. His goal is to play for one of his favorite schools, either Notre Dame or the University of Oklahoma. His dream is to become a golf professional and qualify in the most prestigious tournaments in the world, such as the Masters and the U.S. Open. With Sal’s drive, passion and love for the game, I look forward to being with him every step of the way and seeing where the game of golf takes him. Birdies and eagles!