Collier boy could be part of golf’s next generation

When Niko Ameredes was 2 years old, his father, TJ, would take him out to the golf course with an iPad and snacks.

“(Niko) would get out and putt,” said his mom, Samantha. “As time went on, he’d do a little more than putting. He’d play two holes, and that turned into nine.”

Now, it’s turned into Niko, 12, of Collier, being one of the top junior golfers in the country.

Niko recently placed third in his age category in the Drive, Chip and Putt national finals in early April at Augusta National Golf Club, adding to a distinguished resume.

“I enjoy the competition of golf,” Niko said. “I enjoy the feeling of a tight match, and when it comes down to the last hole, or last two holes.”

When Niko was 6, he began to participate in tournaments, Samantha said. Those have included trips to Pinehurst for the U.S. Kids World Championship and the PGA Junior League Nationals in Texas.

“Niko handles it very well. He’s a very laid-back kid. He does handle the pressure well, and he likes big crowds. He takes it all in — it doesn’t bother him.”

In the winter, Niko, a sixth grade student at Ave Maria Academy in Mt. Lebanon, practices at Robert Morris University’s Dome. His home course is the Club at Nevillewood.

“He has a club in his hand everyday,” Samantha said. “In the summer, Niko lives at the range and course when not at tournaments.”

Niko has competed at Drive, Chip and Putt twice, once in 2022 and again this year. Collier’s Board of Commissioners recognized Niko and his accomplishments at a meeting this month.

“I was very honored they recognized me,” he said.

Drive, Chip and Putt was founded in 2013 by the United States Golf Association, the PGA of America and The Masters Tournament.

Niko’s road to Augusta began with a local qualifier at Butler Country Club in June; advancing him to another qualifier at Nemacolin Resort in August and the Middle Atlantic Regional at Aronimink Golf Club in the Philadelphia area.

“Niko was the youngest in a loaded field in Philly,” Samantha said.

The experience at Augusta National — home of The Masters — is surreal, especially for a golf connoisseur like Niko. Current players Niko likes include Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose. Niko also loves the history of golf, and respects former players, such as Bobby Jones and Arnold Palmer.

Samantha said the Drive, Chip and Putt finals is “quite an event.”

“It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been,” she said of Augusta. “There’s not a piece of grass out of place. It’s run so smoothly.”

Samantha acknowledges that the travel and practice for Niko’s golf can be taxing — she says the family has no free time in June — but it is worth it.

“It’s a humbling sport, and he’s very appreciative of everything his father and I have done for him,” she said.

Despite the travel, the golf community is still somewhat of a small world, Samantha said.

“Niko has met wonderful friends,” she said. “We’ve made a lot of great family friends out of the golf community.”

On the course, Niko tries to keep a positive mindset when playing.

“You can never give up in a situation,” he said. “Anything can happen on the golf course.”

Samantha is proud of the way Niko carries himself. The Ameredeses have three children: Athena, 14, Niko, and Olivia, 10.

“As a parent, I’m happy he’s got golf, but more than anything, I want him to be a nice, respectful Christian boy,” she said.