However his arrival within the US — whereas it assured his security — got here at a value.
His mom would quickly return to Ukraine to be together with his dad, who needed to stay because of martial regulation, and his grandparents. Though Golod thinks his grandparents and mom will journey to the US, he is uncertain when he’ll subsequent see his father, Oleg.
Though he appreciates his security, having the vast majority of his household again in Ukraine within the midst of Russia’s invasion of the nation has weighed closely on him.
“It’s extremely devastating, however fortunately, all of them have Wi-Fi and a supply of web, meals, water, and I can nonetheless speak to them and ensure they’re secure,” he instructed CNN’s Jim Sciutto. “And I do know that after all the pieces is over, I am going to positively convey them right here to be with me.”
Golod added: “My father will solely be capable to depart as soon as the martial regulation ends. And in any other case, he’ll have to remain in there and we’ll hope for the very best.”
‘Bombardment’
Golod instructed CNN that he spent per week and a half within the Russian “bombardment” of Ukraine’s capital as a result of the “explosions weren’t that near our home.”
“However… the second we knew that the bombardment was in our city, we knew we needed to depart and get me out after which my dad and mom would come again to get their dad and mom out,” he defined.
And it was Golod’s ties to golf that provided him a manner into the US.
The 15-year-old is likely one of the greatest younger golfers in Ukraine and has participated in competitions all over the world.
Simply final 12 months, Golod grew to become the primary Ukrainian to compete in america Golf Affiliation’s (USGA) US Junior Novice, which occurred on the Nation Membership of North Carolina final summer season.
After a grueling 5,000-mile journey, which started in a automotive and ended when he landed in Orlando, taking roughly 54 hours, it was a visa he had obtained from taking part in in a event within the US which helped him re-enter the nation.
And safely within the US, Golod condemned what is going on again in his homeland.
“One thing that is occurring in Ukraine shouldn’t be occurring in the course of Europe within the twenty first century,” he stated. “Children are shedding their houses, they’re dying, they’re shedding their lives.
“And it is devastating, and folks ought to know the reality as a result of there’s quite a lot of pretend information going round. However in actuality, what’s occurring is the entire nation’s being destroyed. It is not demilitarization or denationalization, it is really being destroyed by (Vladimir) Putin, and it must be stopped.”
Worldwide recognition
When he was nonetheless in Kyiv, Golod’s plight started to be circulated extensively on the web after an interview with Golf Digest highlighted his and his household’s dire scenario.
And the interview led to members of {the golfing} neighborhood galvanizing to attempt to assist his scenario.
Nugent instructed CNN Sport that studying about Golod’s story “performed to my soul somewhat bit” which is why he and Leadbetter provided their assist.
“And so I known as (Leadbetter) and we talked about it and he stated: ‘Effectively, we have got to do one thing about this.’ And I stated: ‘What do you take note of?’ He stated: ‘We’ll get him out of Ukraine. We’ll get him into my academy in Orlando, Florida, and I am going to get him at school and he’ll start a brand new life,'” Nugent defined, saying at first he thought the plan was “a bit farfetched.”
And so, they set about doing what they might to assist Golod and his household with their journey.
Nugent explains that he hung out on the cellphone getting monetary commitments from the USGA and the Nation Membership of North Carolina to assist his journey from Ukraine.
Seeing this outpouring of assist “means the world” to Golod, says Nugent.
“I do not know that it is honest to say that we have saved a life, however actually the arc of his life has been modified eternally extra,” Nugent defined to CNN Sport.
“For me, it is simply reaffirmation of one thing that I feel is absolute. And that’s in occasions of want, this sport, this {golfing} neighborhood, as you simply referred to, all the time steps up; it all the time has, and it all the time will. And that is simply in my thoughts reaffirmation of that very absolute truth.”
Having arrived within the US, Golod spent his first few days acclimatizing, organizing a cellphone, checking account and different requirements for all times in another country.
His mom, Vita, helped with getting her son settled in earlier than touring again to be together with her husband a couple of days later.
Leadbetter and his golf academy have supplied lodging for Golod, with the younger golfer staying together with his assistant as he continues to adapt to life within the US.
Though he’s uncertain about his long-term future within the US, Golod says he’ll go to school within the nation after ending the ultimate years of highschool there.
And Nugent believes that Golod’s talent with a golf membership will assist him and his future within the US.
“Leadbetter has seen him swing and says this child has actual potential,” he defined. “And so I feel the objective goes to be to attempt to use his skill to hopefully go to school in America and play golf. I do not know if meaning a big-time faculty faculty or when you’re speaking one thing smaller or extra modest.
“However he does seem to have sufficient talent to earn some type of monetary help, monetary scholarship for an American faculty. And so, I feel that is going to be the objective.”
Accommodating
Golod’s life has been turned the wrong way up together with his transfer internationally.
However makes an attempt are being made to make his time within the US as satisfying as potential given the scenario.
Throughout his time on the occasion, Golod met a number of the sport’s largest gamers, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and even managed to stroll with some teams contained in the ropes, providing him an unimpeded view of the best stage of golf.
Golod described it as “the very best day of his life.”
But it surely did not cease there. Nugent defined that Golod was lent a set of golf golf equipment — as a result of “his nonetheless have not arrived,” based on Nugent — and truly performed the well-known TPC Sawgrass course.
Going via what he has is unimaginable for many, and whereas he is secure, his household is rarely removed from his ideas.
“I am very grateful for everybody that contributed to me being right here and it is nice that I can proceed to pursue my objectives academically and athletically. However on the identical time, it is very, very nerve-wracking having my entire household again in Ukraine.”
