Pint-sized putter passionate for golf in Fox Chapel
He’s a pint-sized putter with a big-time devotion to his favorite sport.
Lucas McMahon, 6, of Indiana Township was still using a pacifier when he first showed an interest in golf.
These days, he frequently takes to the course at the Pittsburgh Field Club to play nine holes.
“He was interested since he was young enough to pick up a toy club,” said his dad, Richard McMahon, an attorney and member of the Pittsburgh Field Club in Fox Chapel.
Lucas, a first-grader at Hartwood Elementary, said playing golf just “makes him happy.”
Pittsburgh Field Club head golf professional Christian Sheehan praised Lucas’ focus and maturity in regards to golf.
When he was 4, Lucas participated in the club’s junior golf program under Sheehan’s instruction.
“Lucas’ biggest skill set is his desire to learn. Golf is a difficult sport, requires physical acumen which is difficult in growing bodies, but he’s always up to the task and brings enthusiasm to every class.”
Lucas enjoys the 16th hole at the Field Club because of the water component.
“It has a lake and you get to hit over it,” he said.
Lucas plays golf almost exclusively at Pittsburgh Field Club.
“Many courses won’t allow a golfer as young as Lucas, but at Pittsburgh Field Club we can almost find a time to play later in the evening when it feels like we have the whole course to ourselves,” McMahon said.
For now, Lucas and his father play for the bonding and all-around golf experience.
“No scoring yet — it’s for fun,” Lucas said. “I like riding around in the cart.”
The family resides in Indiana Township and they include fun golf-centric activities that include Topgolf Pittsburgh, indoor golf simulators, miniature golf and SNAG golf home set.
This year, Lucas has ramped up his golf schedule.
“This year is the first year he’s really wanted to play golf regularly. We get out in the evenings when the course is empty and play nine holes several times per month,” Richard McMahon said. “I love the small moments that add up to a lifetime of memories.”
McMahon recalled the first time he allowed Lucas to sit on his lap and steer the golf cart.
“In his mind, he was driving in the Daytona 500. Every time he successfully hits the ball out of a bunker, the look of amazement on his face is the same as when he opens a surprise gift on Christmas morning,” McMahon said.
Lucas and his father share conversations on the course that run the gamut, from Lucas’ school week activities, thoughts on his last golf shot and when Lucas can expect to hit it as far as Tiger Woods.
They also watch professional golf together on television.
Lucas doesn’t have an individual coach.
Instead, he’s instructed by a team of golf pros at the Field Club.
Mom Sara McMahon is fully supportive of her son’s active and outdoor golf pursuits.
“I love that he has an interest,” she said. “When Lucas was old enough to stand and swing a club, he would come down to our workout room and swing a club while I exercised.”
She doesn’t golf herself but said Lucas insists she needs purple clubs.
“Our family tries to support his interest. This fall, Lucas chose to only play basketball and not do soccer, so he had more time to golf on the weekends,” Sara McMahon said.
McMahon, who considers himself an avid golfer, fell for the sport later in life after attending Carnegie Mellon University and law school.
“Having a shared interest with my son is special because it allows us to spend time together,” said McMahon, a busy father of four. “Time is a precious commodity in our house. Golf is a way that Lucas and I can connect and spend time together doing something that we both love.”
Sheehan noted Lucas knows how to get serious at a young age.
“He likes to have fun but can lock in at the appropriate moments. And while he chases the fun and improvement, he’s a young kid with great perspective. We love being around him,” Sheehan said.
When not golfing, Lucas loves to munch on a Chick-fil-A sandwich. His favorite subject at school is gym.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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