Hayden Springer’s dream to play on the PGA Tour, fueled by daughter

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By: Taylor Kauffman

Hayden Springer turned pro in 2019, and in those last two years he’s experienced some of the highest highs, along with the lowest lows.

January 2020, Hayden and his wife Emma found out they were having a baby, and later discovered there’d be complications.

“There was kind of a grim outlook at least on the surface level,” Springer said.

Their unborn baby had severe heart defects and was prenatally diagnosed with Trisomy 18, or, Edward’s Syndrome.

“Just in the beginning what we were told was, you know, it was not good news,” said Springer.

Sage Springer was born October 7, 2020 with the expectation that she’d only live one to three days.

“There was an emergency C-Section. Basically, she had a really weak heartbeat, and was not really breathing,” Springer said, “And then they put her on mom’s chest and all of a sudden she took a breath, and then just stronger and stronger from there. I mean, I looked at my wife and we were both just like in tears.”

Sage underwent heart surgery within the first couple months of her life, and nine months later, she’s still here.

“She’s amazing, and she’s smiling. We’re just loving it; loving on her,” Springer said.

Not even a year old, Sage made it out with her mother to support her dad in this year’s US Open.

“To play a major championship, I mean that’s the pinnacle of golf and that’s something I’ve dreamed of forever. I was really excited to get out there and just experienced it,” said Springer.

Through all of the highs and lows, Hayden has gained a new perspective.

“In a way, golf isn’t everything. I’m always gonna go home and see her smile and be able to hang out with her. Everything else kind of falls away, and then I can come back and, and play the next week or whatever it is,” said Springer.

Hayden continues to golf in hopes of making it to the PGA Tour, so he can start his own foundation to help kids with Trisomy 18 and their families.

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