Imagine a teenager turning his passion for golf into a life-saving mission. That’s exactly what Skylar Friedman, a 17-year-old from Long Island, is doing—one putt at a time. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: Skylar isn’t just playing golf; he’s using it to raise a staggering $700,000 (and counting) for the hospital that saved his life as a baby. 'They saved me, so it’s my duty to return the favor,' he told The Post with unwavering determination.
Skylar’s journey began with a rare and life-threatening condition discovered before he was born. During a routine ultrasound, doctors found an abnormal mass in his lung, a condition so uncommon that local physicians had never seen it before. This led Skylar’s family to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he underwent a life-saving lung operation at just 5 months old. Today, he’s not only thriving but also paying it forward in a big way.
And this is the part most people miss: Skylar’s fundraising isn’t just about big checks—it’s about creativity and inclusivity. Last year, he launched the '100 Putt Challenge,' a nationwide initiative where golfers pledge money for every 6-foot putt they sink out of 100. The beauty? Anyone can participate, whether on a golf course, in their living room, or even in an airplane aisle. 'People don’t realize how much it adds up,' Skylar explains. 'If someone pledges $2 per putt and sinks 80, that’s $160 right there.'
Skylar’s efforts have already raised over $66,000 toward his latest goal of $250,000, but his impact doesn’t stop there. Over the past seven years, he’s generated a total of $700,000 for the hospital that holds a special place in his heart. His dedication extends beyond fundraising—he sits on the hospital’s youth advisory council and has given speeches on patient care, all while balancing his dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer.
But here’s the controversial question: Is it enough to simply donate money, or should we all find ways to turn our passions into purpose? Skylar’s story challenges us to think bigger. With the help of his golf trainer, Adam Laird, he’s transformed a personal mission into a movement. From impromptu 24-hour golf marathons to mini-marathons that left him using his putter as a cane, Skylar’s creativity knows no bounds. Now, his high school teammates are joining the cause, and participants from a dozen states are stepping up to the tee.
Skylar’s book, It Could Be Worse, released in March, shares his story of perseverance, positivity, and philanthropy. 'Giving back feels like my purpose,' he says. 'If I can reach just one person, it’s all worth it.'
So, here’s the question for you: What’s your passion, and how could you use it to make a difference? Skylar’s story proves that even the smallest actions—like sinking a putt—can lead to monumental change. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—how would you turn your skills or hobbies into a force for good?
