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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cGolf has really been a turning point for him,\u201d said his mother, Amy Chalker. \u201cHe has matured and has a focus that he had never shown until he started playing golf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meticulous routine \u2014 the careful placement of the ball and the measured backswing \u2014 offers a sense of control amidst the chaos. Amy, on the other hand, knew little about golf. Yet, after witnessing the power of golf transform her son, she took herself on a crash course. Preston taught her the ins and outs of the game and its fundamentals, even explaining flagsticks and sand traps. They spent afternoons laughing at the occasional stray shots that landed in the sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark Chalker, Preston\u2019s father, dusted off his old clubs. Years had passed since the last time he played golf, but the joy of playing with his son rekindled the flame. Preston\u2019s golf adventures are family affairs. Weekends consist of carpools with Pa and Preston\u2019s grandma, \u201cNinny,\u201d to practices and the occasional strategy discussions over lunch. When he\u2019s not golfing, you might find him playing his favorite video games or indulging in a hidden talent \u2014 sewing pillows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life for the young golfer hasn\u2019t always been easy. Adopted at 8 months old, Preston has navigated the adjustments of finding his forever home with the Chalker family over the past 12 years. While there have been challenges along the way, including some close relationships ending, Preston has found freedom in golf. His mother credits the sport with helping him navigate these challenging times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe has an inner strength that I admire. He also is quite a comedian,\u201d Amy explained. \u201cWe are very proud of our youngest. He truly is my littlest best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It wasn\u2019t long before Preston and his family began to witness his hard work pay off on the course. Coach Angela Houck at Westwood Middle School sharpened his iron swings while Nunley helped straighten Preston\u2019s wayward drives. Occasionally \u201coutdriving\u201d his father and Pa are now cherished family moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith the help of my coach, Angela Houck, my lessons from Barry Bishop, and the encouragement of my parents and grandparents, I\u2019ve worked hard on improving my swing. A time or two, I\u2019ve even out-drove my Pa and my dad,\u201d Preston said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One afternoon, at the WillowBrook course, magic happened. Standing on the fifth hole in a tournament against Franklin County, Preston faced a seemingly impossible 25-foot putt. The clink of the ball against the bottom of the cup sent a roar erupting from Amy \u2014 a touch too enthusiastic, earning a playful shush from her son. It was a moment the family will never forget and just one example of how impactful the support of Preston\u2019s loved ones is on his journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preston\u2019s inspiration remains firmly rooted in his Pa. The passion for the game that he shares with his Pa transcends words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe is truly my person,\u201d he explained. He advises other young athletes to \u201cjust get out there and practice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy best advice to others wanting to play is to get on the course as much as possible. It helps to have family that is encouraging and supporting your passion, too,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preston dreams big, as a college scholarship might be in his future. But even more profound than any accomplishment lies a deeper truth. His compelling story is a love letter to his supportive family and an ode to the unexpected places where passion can take root. This young golfer is on his way to carving his own path \u2014 one course at a time. And with his family cheering him on from every green, his journey will surely be extraordinary. GN<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" THE GRASS, damp from the morning dew, squished beneath Preston Chalker\u2019s sneakers as he walked across his backyard. In his hand, a miniature replica of the driver his grandpa, Felix \u201cPa\u201d Nunley, swung with experienced ease. During his early childhood, Preston\u2019s swing became a compilation of enthusiasm and will, and the joy on his face […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":22815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/manchester\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/08\/4-1-1024x683.png\")
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