TCA Golfer Gets Byron Nelson Award
Trinity Christian Academy junior Justin Thompson, 17, became the youngest recipient of the Northern Texas PGA’s Byron Nelson Award on Feb. 21.
The award is given to an amateur who has given back to the game. The former TPGA Junior Tour member and University Park resident started playing golf after he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 10. He was later diagnosed with skin cancer at age 14.
The survivor said in a statement that if it hadn’t been for his cancer, he never would have picked up the game or been inspired to give back through the Birdie for Kids fundraiser.
Thompson has raised $25,000 for local children’s charities through the event, which has raised over $1.4 million since 2004.
After graduation, Thompson said he planned to play golf for SMU.
