DOTHAN, Ala. — You might say that Luke Thornton was born on the golf course. His great-grandfather, Press Thornton Sr., started the Future Master’s Golf Tournament in 1950. Seven years later his son, Press Thornton Jr, took over the tournament and remained the president until his death in 2020.

Luke has been attending the Future Masters his entire life. He played in the tournament twice in the 10 and under division and has also participated the last two years. During the in-between years Luke says that he lost interest.

When asked his favorite thing about golf Luke said, “I love the challenge and how it tests me. I love the mental part of the game. A slight change can affect the whole entire round. And golf has taught me a life lesson of how to take a bad situation and turn it around for good.” Luke said that there is definitely an advantage of living in Dothan where the tournament is held. He said, “It is definitely an advantage living here because I can practice here. But, when Future Master’s rolls around it feels like a whole different course.” I asked what rekindled his interest for golf and to compete again in the Future Master’s and he told me it was all his grandfather, Press Thornton.

He said, “The day before he died we asked him “who has the best swing in the family” and he said “Luke”. That motivated me. I feel like he would be proud of me for how far I have come.” Luke will compete on Friday and Saturday in the 15-18 age bracket and we are very sure that Press Thornton would be very proud.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.