Teen golfer prepares for another shot at the U.S. Adaptive Open

ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — On Thursday, Sophia Howard warmed up her swings on the driving range at The Meadows at Grand Valley State University.

After playing for several years, she is no stranger to the greens, but she is still in awe of the scenery at the U.S. Adaptive Open .

“I think it’s just an honor and privilege to be able to go this week,” Howard told News 8.

This will be Howard’s third time playing in the tournament designed for golfers with some form of disability. Howard, who grew up without a right hand, says she is passionate about golf and is so happy that tournaments like the U.S. Adaptive Open exist to show others that everyone should be able to do what they love.

“I think it’s really awesome and eye-opening. I think it’s something that our community needs to keep doing and supporting,” Howard said. “Just to show that there is a community out there and that we should be able to play and that we do belong and that we are able to play.”

The senior from Hudsonville High School will be up against men and women from across the county who qualified for the tournament. Her goal this year is to make the cut. At the end of the second day, she has to be in the top 10 on the leaderboard or in the top two in her division to move on.

The 17-year-old is one of the youngest competitors in the field and one of six golfers from Michigan competing in the tournament. Thirty-two states and 11 countries are represented in the 96-player field .

This year it will be held at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kansas. It starts Monday and goes until Wednesday.

Howard is set to tee off with the final group on Monday, starting on the first hole at 9:42 a.m. CDT. You can follow along with Howard’s progress during the tournament through the USGA website .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.