‘I always looked up to athletes,’ LPGA EPSON Tour golfers visit Beacon Children’s Hospital

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- With the Four Winds Invitational teeing off in South Bend, the South Bend Medical Foundation set up an opportunity for some Beacon Hospital pediatric patients to meet some professional athletes. 

Wednesday, LPGA EPSON Tour professional golfers switched out their clubs for some plastic putt-putt in the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit. 

“We’re out here just giving the kids here a good time because I know how hard it is for them. And anything we can do to make their day a bit better makes me happy,” said golfer Nikita Arjun. 

For its 12th year, the Four Winds Invitational golf tournament tees off in South Bend this week. 

“The last time I was in south bend was in 2019,” Arjun said, “and I just remember how much I loved it, and I’m just happy to be back.”

Per tradition, some competing golfers visited a beneficiary of the competition: Beacon Children’s Hospital. 

“It’s obviously to give a thank you back to the community for having us out for the week,” Arjun said.

Kaidyn Longacre was one of the patients that got to meet the golfers.

“It’s cool, because they’re somewhat famous people and you don’t really get to do that in life and see that much of famous people,” he said. 

And Arjun had the chance to be the athlete she always looked up to. 

“Personally, growing up, I always wanted someone to look up to. I always looked up to athletes. I just want to be that one person who kids now can look up to and be like, ‘hey, I met her. She inspires me,” she said. “Follow your dream, no matter what anyone tells you. If someone tells you you can’t do it, show them you can.”