by Laurel Hollow, NY – At just 17 years old, Skylar Friedman, a high school golfer from Long Island, is turning his passion for golf into a powerful force for good. Seven years after a rare, life-saving lung operation at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia saved his life as a baby, Friedman has raised over $700,000 for the hospital through an innovative nationwide putting contest called the “100 Putt Challenge.”
His fundraising not only reflects gratitude but also a commitment to give back to the medical community that helped him survive a critical infant surgery. Now, his challenge continues to grow, involving golfers across the country who make donations based on the number of putts they sink out of 100, supporting the hospital’s vital work.
Turning a Personal Miracle Into Nationwide Impact
Skylar’s journey began with a frightening discovery during a prenatal ultrasound that revealed an abnormal mass in the right lower lobe of his lungs. The mass posed a life-threatening risk of a fatal heart attack. Due to the rarity of his condition, his local doctors recommended surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where at just five months old, he underwent a successful lung operation removing the affected part.
“They saved me, so it’s my duty to return the favor,” Friedman said, reflecting his deep sense of purpose.
Since that operation, he has lived a healthy life, although he receives regular follow-ups for asthma and other conditions. Grateful for the compassionate care he’s received, Friedman serves on CHOP’s youth advisory council, advocating for patient care and sharing his story to inspire others.
The 100 Putt Challenge: Golf Meets Giving Back
Skylar’s golfing career started early; he’s been a standout member of his high school varsity golf team since seventh grade. Seven years ago, he teamed up with his golf trainer, Adam Laird, to channel their love of golf into fundraising, initially through marathons of continuous play and now through the innovative 100 Putt Challenge.
The challenge invites participants nationwide to pledge donations based on the number of 6-foot putts they make out of 100 attempts. It is designed for anyone, anywhere — on a golf course, in a living room, or even an airplane aisle.
- Participants pledge an amount per successful putt, multiplying efforts into significant funds.
- The challenge has grown to involve golfers in about a dozen states with roughly 1,000 individual donors this year alone.
- Friedman has already raised $66,000 toward his current goal of $250,000 this year.
“If somebody pledges two dollars a putt and hits 80 of them, that’s $160 easily made,” Friedman explains.
The campaign has attracted widespread support, including all of Skylar’s high school golf teammates who are participating in the challenge.
Community Inspiration and Future Aspirations
Adam Laird, Skylar’s long-time coach, describes him as more than just a talented athlete.
“He doesn’t just think about himself, he uses his success to fill the cups of others. I take a lot of inspiration from him,” Laird said.
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Skylar also recently published a book titled It Could Be Worse sharing his life story and message of resilience. Beyond golf and fundraising, he dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer.
The 100 Putt Challenge and Skylar’s story have been featured by various media outlets, spreading awareness to even more potential donors and supporters. For more details about his journey and challenge, visit this New York Post article.
Join the Movement and Make a Difference
Skylar Friedman’s story is a testament to how one young person’s gratitude and determination can create a ripple effect of compassion and generosity nationwide. His effort exemplifies the power of combining personal passion with philanthropy to support crucial healthcare services.
What do you think about Skylar’s 100 Putt Challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments below and consider participating or donating to this incredible cause!
