Aydin Mawjee, a young golf prodigy out of Overlake Golf and Country Club, continues to shoot for the stars in the junior golf world. In July, Aydin took a significant step forward in his golfing career by participating in the prestigious IMG World Championships in San Diego. This event brought together 150 of the best 11- to 12-year-old golfers from over 50 countries, showcasing some of the brightest talents in the sport. Aydin demonstrated his skill and determination, finishing tied for 42nd with a score of +6 after three rounds. Notably, he tied as the low Washington golfer in the tournament.

When asked about his thoughts on the tournament, Aydin shared, "I shot even par in my final round, which was a great way to finish. But I averaged 34 putts per round, so I’m a bit mad—I know if I had putted better, I could have finished higher." This blend of confidence, satisfaction, and desire for improvement defines Aydin’s competitive spirit as he aims to refine his game further.

Creating even more impact in the game he loves, Aydin has also ventured into the world of golf equipment design. Last year he took on the ambitious project of designing his own putter. "First, I designed it on my computer and then 3D printed a test model," Aydin explained. After refining his design, he found a manufacturer overseas to make his idea a reality. Now, he's nearly finished with the next round of fixes and plans to get his putter certified by the USGA later this year. He’s even working on a website and has created a logo for his budding brand, "ForePrecisionPutters."

Aydin’s hard work has paid off locally as well. Over the summer he clinched the Overlake Junior Club Championship, playing in the 18-hole division against high school golfers. His impressive score of +3 (74) from the men’s tees showcased his growth and skill as his game matures. Aydin has also won the Overlake 9-hole championship for the past three years, showing that his daily practice pays off in spades.

Aydin’s summer also included a trip to Pinehurst, where he attended the U.S. Open. The experience was a dream come true; Aydin was able to watch his idol Tiger Woods in action. He was also thrilled to witness firsthand Bryson DeChambeau clinching the victory on the 18th hole. "Seeing the pros up close was inspiring," Aydin recalled. "It motivates me to work even harder on my game."

One of the highlights of Aydin's summer was a special birthday surprise: the U.S. Open trophy. "Bryson DeChambeau’s caddie, Greg, who’s from Seattle, surprised me and my friends by letting us borrow it for a few hours," Aydin said with a grin. "We even took it to Overlake, and some members couldn’t believe it was the real one!"

Golf is becoming a family affair for the Mawjees. Aydin’s younger brother, Adam, has recently taken up the sport. Aydin caddied for Adam in his first tournament in Portland, where Adam shot a 63 and finished third.  Aydin was excited to support his brother and made this tournament a special day for all.

Aydin and his brother are excited about their next school year at The Bush School, with Aydin entering the eighth grade and Adam starting kindergarten. With a promising future ahead, Aydin Mawjee’s passion for golf and dedication to improving his game make it clear that this young golfer is just getting started reaching for the stars.