BLAINE AND GABRIEL Bonner, twin brothers with a growing love for golf, are making waves on the fairways. In this competitive realm where the pressure to succeed can be intense, Blaine and Gabriel have found an excellent support system in their mother, Haley Gray; their father,
Kyle Bonner; and their grandmother, “Granna.” With such a strong support system, the future looks incredibly bright for these talented young golfers.
Blaine’s and Gabriel’s adventures into the golf world teed off when they were just 6, inspired by their grandfather, “Poppy,” who bought them their first set of King Cobra clubs. After taking lessons and playing regularly with their dad, they started competing for their middle school team. These early experiences laid the groundwork for their growing fascination with golf. As middle schoolers, they skillfully balance their schoolwork with golf practice and travel schedules.
“We always try to get our work done during school every day, so we don’t have anything to worry about while playing golf,” they explained.
Their first year playing competitively as sixth graders at Westwood Middle School under coach Angela Houck holds a special place in their golfing memories. That year, they secured a thrilling second-place finish.
Their bond as brothers and teammates is both a source of motivation and a challenge.
“We are harder on each other than we are on ourselves,” Gabriel admitted, noting that they often play on separate teams to maintain a healthy dynamic.
They motivate each other differently during tough matches — while Gabriel prefers focusing shot by shot, Blaine lightens the mood with humor.
“I just try to make jokes to get my teammates’ minds off things and focus on the next hole,” said Blaine.
Their mom, dad, and Granna are always one step behind them, cheering them on, offering constant encouragement, and creating a positive environment.
“It gets challenging trying to balance sports and motherhood,” Gray admitted. “But with good communication, organization, and family support, we make it happen.”
She said the family is unified and makes time to enjoy the sport together, enriching their golf experiences.
“We have changed our schedules to fit their practices and matches, occasionally having to cancel other engagements,” Gray shared.
Their dad and Granna have also been instrumental, stepping in to help with practices and tournaments.
“It’s a family affair, but we all want to see them succeed,” she added.
Gray has always prioritized individual growth and choice, understanding the unique dynamics of raising twins.
“I promote a supportive environment for Blaine and Gabriel’s athletic and academic development by allowing them to choose the paths they individually want to go,” she explained.
For Gray, the most rewarding moments come from watching her sons excel and grow through their golf experiences.
“Watching the excitement on their faces when they win a match or tournament means the world to me,” she said.
Gray hopes the lessons Blaine and Gabriel learn on the golf course will carry them even further than their athletic pursuits. She believes values like hard work, dedication, sportsmanship, and integrity will help them navigate life’s many challenges with determination and grace.
Blaine and Gabriel have faced challenges in their golf journeys, from swing issues to hitting slumps. Their strategy for overcoming these obstacles involves practice, perseverance, and a positive mindset.
“I breathe, relax, and have faith in myself,” said Gabriel, while Blaine prefers to focus solely on his shots to maintain concentration.
Pregame rituals like grabbing snacks, hitting balls on the driving range, and joking with teammates help the twins ease into the competition. As for their ultimate goals, Gabriel dreams of going pro.
He said, “My goal is to allow golf to make my life wonderful, to make it to the PGA, and to play and win the Masters just once.”
Blaine aspires to turn golf into a long-term career and help his team improve.
“My golf goal is to get good enough that I can turn it into a career later in life. As a team, it is to grow and get better.”
Blaine’s and Gabriel’s progress as young boys and golfers demonstrates the impact of family support and personal zeal. They are sincerely grateful to their family, friends, and Houck for their guidance. The twins are enthusiastic about their golfing future, fully equipped with the lessons they’ve learned and their strong support system.
In the end, Gray’s maternal guidance and their family’s united effort have nurtured Blaine’s and Gabriel’s golfing talents and impressed upon them the values and inspiration they need to succeed on and off the course. GN
