Sayaka Carpenter learned early that anything worthwhile in life comes as a result of tireless work. That is one of the reasons the East Brunswick High School senior and one of the best golfers in the state earned a trip to California the last week of September to play in the Nature Valley First Tee at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course. The pro-amateur event coincided with the regular PGA Champions Tour tournament Sept. 25-27.
Carpenter, who captured the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Tournament as a freshman and sophomore and missed winning a third by a stroke last spring, was paired with Champions Tour pro Stuart Hendley and spent the entire week literally rubbing elbows with such recognizable names such as Jeff Sluman.
“In order to receive an invitation, a selection committee asked applicants to complete a series of short essays focusing on our accomplishments as athletes, students and First Tee member,” Carpenter said. “I was also asked to provide a summary of the tournaments I played in, including my scores and handicap.”
An important component of the application — and one that undoubtedly made a strong impression on the First Tee selection committee — was Carpenter’s list of extracurricular activities, community volunteer work and academic achievement.
The daughter of Yurika and Chuck, Carpenter chronicled her experiences coaching young golfers during weekend First Tee summer camps, how she represented her organization’s chapter at concession tents during area PGA Barclays tournaments and her participation in First Tee tournaments. Carpenter is also an accomplished cello player, which must have been music to the selection committee’s ears.
When she arrived at Pebble Beach, Carpenter admitted to becoming so enamored by the course’s natural beauty and the fact she was playing next to some of the legendary names in golf that it became a challenge focusing on her game.
“I tried to compensate for the tree lines, cliffs [overlooking the Pacific] Ocean and bunkers,” Sayaka said. “But the winds dramatically affected how the course was played. The greens were difficult to read and measure correctly but were a lot of fun to play on. I thought I maneuvered around the course pretty well but quickly learned how difficult it was to recover from a missed shot.”
One of Carpenter’s most memorable moments was meeting Sluman, who tied for sixth at the tournament and is one of the top money winners on the senior circuit.
Carpenter utilized her time with Sluman, the 1988 PGA Tournament champion, like a sponge soaking up water, especially when it came to his advice on how to improve her golf game.
“I told [Sluman] how challenging it is to deal with different grasses depending on where I’m playing,” she said. “Bermuda grass is prevalent in the south and bent grass is the kind in our part of the country.”
Since the Champions Tour features tournaments in virtually every part of the United States and overseas, Carpenter picked Sluman’s brain about making adjustments depending on what course he plays.
“He told me the change is not difficult if you make simple corrections and maintain your technique” she said. “The key is work with the environment and not let the environment take over you just because you aren’t used to it.”
Until the spring high school season begins, Carpenter savors every day when the temperature is warm, the sunshine is bright and she can hit the links. One of Carpenter’s recognized strengths is her long game, especially on lengthier courses, which often provides her with a major advantage over competitors
“My drives are around 250 [yards] on average, and my middle iron shots go about 155,” she said. “I can still improve my short game, and that was never more apparent than when I was playing with the pros. I saw how many strokes could be saved with a really good wedge game and by holing out a putt from anywhere on the green.”
That is why until the spring high school season arrives, Carpenter will play tournaments on the junior circuit sponsored by such groups as the International Management Group (IMG), New Jersey Professional Golf Association (NJPGA), International Junior Golf Academy (IJGT) and American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).
Even though she is an East Brunswick senior, Carpenter hasn’t made a college choice or decided on a major, but she is more open to exploring options outside the immediate area.
“These professionals have spent their whole lives moving around, achieving amazing things, and have so many memorable experiences,” Carpenter said. “I’m openminded now about trying new things, and I’m excited about what my future holds.”