STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – MASON MACDONALD

(Note: Mason is a student of USGTF member Lou Toscano.)

1. How did you get started in golf, and at what age did you begin playing?
I first became interested in golf when my dad took me to the Travelers Championship at age 11 in Cromwell, Connecticut. Watching a live tournament inspired me to start playing, and I began going to the driving range and playing with my dad and brother. With the help of lessons from Coach Lou Toscano, I’ve continued to improve over the past four years. I now enjoy both the challenge of the game and the time I spend playing with family and friends.

2. What have been some of your biggest struggles in golf, and how have you worked through them?
One of my biggest challenges in golf has been maintaining a positive mindset after a bad shot. I”ve learned to stay composed, refocus, and move on to the next shot without dwelling on mistakes. Golf is a game of constant highs and lows, and I’ve come to understand that improvement comes from staying disciplined and continuing to work hard through both good and bad rounds.

3. What are some of your biggest accomplishments in golf so far?
One of my biggest accomplishments was making my high school golf team as a freshman at Westerly High School. I’ve really enjoyed the experience and feel fortunate to play and practice at great local courses like Winnapaug, Weekapaug, Shelter Harbor, and the Misquamicut Club with my teammates. Another highlight was getting my first hole-in-one in 2025 at Elmridge Golf Course, which was a memorable milestone for me. I hope there are more to come!

4. Do you have any goals or aspirations in golf for the future?
My goal is to break into the top six on my high school team and compete in varsity matches. I’m dedicated to putting in the work to keep improving, and I hope to become one of the top players in the state. Most importantly, I want to continue playing and enjoying the game of golf for the rest of my life.