South Georgia - In The Game High School Sports Magazine

An eighth grader at Valwood School in Valdosta, Georgia, Ajay Patel has been involved in various sports since a very young age. One of five children, Patel and his brothers and sister keep their parents busy with all types of sports, including golf, soccer, basketball, and football. In the past few years, Patel has proven himself as a star among his classmates and fellow athletes, and he hopes to continue his rise on the green and on the court for many years to come.

Like many young boys, Patel began playing t-ball with the Valdosta Parks and Recreation Department when he was just four years old, and he continued to play baseball until he lost interest. “If he says he wants to play [any sport], we do our best to support him,” says his father, but since baseball was no longer a main focus of Patel’s, his parents did not push him to play.

Athletically inclined, Patel picked up the sport of golf at age five. Thanks to his family’s passion for the game, it is no secret how dedicated they are to Patel’s success. “Our family is completely devoted,” says Patel’s mother, Kristi, and she explains that they spend most of their family time traveling to different sporting events together.

During his fourth and fifth grade years, Patel was a student at St. John’s Catholic School and added the game of basketball to his mix. After “trying basketball once,” Patel decided he enjoyed the game- he even gained some playing time in the sixth grade. As a point guard, Patel enjoys having control of the game, all the while guiding his teammates and keeping them involved.

As a starter on the JV team this year, Patel will definitely be able to prove his power and abilities, as well as continuing his favorite aspect of the game: shooting. “When I get the opportunity, I like to steal and take the ball down court for a layup,” Patel admits. Scoring twenty points in a single game last season is one of his most memorable accomplishments, as well as making three three-pointers in just one game. Modest, Patel attributes these achievements to his ability to “control the basketball at full speed” on the court.

Patel confesses that golf remains his favorite sport, and he is determined to

become a professional golfer at some point in his future. Practicing and playing year round, Patel takes lessons and participates in camps during the summer at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club, and often his mother has to force him off the green to go home.

As a seventh grader, Patel placed 2nd in the Georgia State Golf Association, and 3rd in the Georgia Professional Golf Association, two respectable titles for someone his age. Having visited The Masters Golf Tournament, Patel has had the opportunity to come in contact with some of the greatest golfers, and taking cues from the best, his father and his friends invite Patel to play with them on the green regularly because “he fits right in.” Patel, whose best round is a 77, recalls one impressive shot in his golfing career that he remembers vividly: during a JV tournament, Patel holed out for an eagle from 150 yards, and with one bounce, it was in the cup.

Due to some sibling rivalry with his younger brother last year, Patel decided to take on football as an eighth grader. Never having played, he wanted to try it ‘just once’ to see if he liked it, and as a starting wide receiver and corner back this season, Patel has proven himself worthy of the positions. “He is very aggressive on the field,” explains his father, and at five feet tall and around seventy-five pounds, it is clear that “he’s not as big as all the other players.” Undefeated in the season so far, Patel enjoys football but he does not want to break any limbs. So, next year he aims to make golf and basketball his top two priorities.

In addition to sports, Patel enjoys school and tries to keep his grades up year round. Academically, Patel has done very well and although he admits he does not enjoy studying, he is well aware that his school work is of greater importance than any sport.

Attributing his son’s success to the fact that he “does not lose his cool under pressure, and has the ability to stay focused,” Patel’s father helps his son to realize how extremely important staying calm is during the toughest of times, on any field and in life as well. A leader and not a follower, Patel’s parents describe him as “an extremely confident child,” who is very quick and coordinated. In golf, his short game is his strong point because of his size, but in football his outstanding ability to read plays helps to keep his team undefeated.

Patel’s aunt, Kathi Bair, and grandfather have both fueled Patel’s eagerness to play golf, as his aunt has competed for many years and even gained an Amateur title for the state of Georgia. His grandfather, who is currently Valwood’s JV and Varsity head golf coach, has been behind him every step of the way with advice and encouragement.

Patel plans to play golf and basketball during his four years of high school, and intends to “practice a lot and work hard” with both sports. Taking those two steps can help him realize his professional golfing dream, and in addition to golfing, Patel hopes to one day attend his favorite college- the University of Georgia.

While it may be hard to comprehend, as an eighth grader Patel has his lifelong goals already set and there is absolutely nothing standing in his way. With the continued support of his coaches and family, as well as his drive and determination, Ajay Patel’s next visit to the Masters just might be by personal invitation. •