Despite falling in the Round of 16 of match play at this summer’s NCGA Women’s Amateur Championship, San Mateo resident Ashlyn Johnson was still smiling.
Adversity--and growing stronger from it—is nothing new for Johnson. The 17-year-old senior at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo was born deaf. She has bilateral cochlear implants that, when in use, help her hear just about like everyone else. But without them, she can’t hear a thing.
It hasn’t stopped Johnson from succeeding on the course. Last season as a junior, Johnson, who carries an impressive 1.4 Handicap Index, was named the San Mateo Daily Journal’s Girls’ Golfer of the Year. In August, she also competed in the 14th World Deaf Golf Championships in Australia, where she placed fourth.
Like her idol, the late Kobe Bryant, Johnson applies a ‘Mamba Mentality’ to her everyday life—attacking every day and every competition as if it’s your last.
We recently caught up with Johnson following her trip Down Under.
NCGA: When did you first start playing golf?
AJ: I first started going to the driving range with my dad when I was 6 or 7 years old. Then around my 10th birthday I began to really start to play and practice golf regularly.
NCGA: What do you love about golf?
AJ: I love many things about golf. First, it is the hardest thing I have ever tried to play. That is both frustrating and amazing at the same time. Second, I love all the great people I have met playing golf. Third, I love all the great places I have had the privilege of going to play golf.
NCGA: How was the experience of competing in the championships in Australia?
AJ: Playing in the 2024 World Deaf Golf Championships was amazing. Australia is beautiful, the people are wonderful and the course was great. As always, I had many good shots, I holed out from 111 yards on the par-4 11th hole during the third round for an eagle. A few I'd like to have back, but I am happy I could help Team USA win the team championship.
NCGA: What drives you, both on and off the course?
AJ: On the course: I have been really just trying to get a little better in every area every day. Not to waste practice time or competition time. All with the proper perspective, to really continue to "grind" as we like to say. I just want to continue to get better.
Off the course: My faith, my family and my ability to be an advocate for Deaf Golf, U.S. Deaf Golf and all deaf people.
NCGA: What is your advice on overcoming the challenges of life?
AJ: My parents and family have taught me that though I was born deaf I am not a victim or less than. That though I hear differently, (with cochlear implants) I have been made perfectly and with a purpose. Keeping that in perspective has allowed me to push through many of the obstacles I have faced and will face in the future. We all have our own challenges in life, our perspective can really bring life and hope to any situation. I myself am continuing to learn about that, but am grateful to my family for always loving me and pushing me to do my best.