Golfing siblings are a rare breed. The sport often favors solo pursuits, but for Amari and Alona Avery, family ties are a driving force in their competitive careers. Their father, Andre, played a significant role in instilling their love for the game. “He was a big influence in them growing up and taking an interest in golf,” says Maria Avery, Amari’s mother. At the age of 3, Amari had a golf club in hand, while Alona started her golfing journey a year later, at the age of 8. Both sisters were homeschooled to allow for ample practice time and to attend tournaments out of state. Despite being close in age, the siblings have distinct golfing styles. Amari was competing a year after her sister’s introduction to competitive golf.
- Amari Avery
- Alona Avery
The Averys have structured their family around the sport. Maria Avery works in the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department office, while Andre accompanies Amari on tour. The sisters’ competitive dynamic is evident in their head-to-head matches. “We always have some sort of friendly match here and there,” says Alona. “I try to beat her, and I’m pretty sure she does the same.”
Their father’s influence extended beyond the golf course. “He would take them to the range and hit balls till they couldn’t hit any more,” says Maria Avery. “And yeah, just seeing her success throughout the years, even recently, has been like the biggest impact in my career.”
Alona credits her sister’s success as her inspiration. “Just seeing what she’s done with this game is a huge motivator for me,” she says. “And to have someone in my family who’s so close, or who I’m so close with, to be my inspiration – I don’t think there’s anything better than that.”
The Averys have a unique approach to family dynamics. They caddied for each other at tournaments and provide mutual support. “Now that Amari is on tour with the Epson tour, she gives Alona advice so that she can further her experience and the love of the game,” says Maria Avery. Despite the sibling rivalry, the Averys acknowledge that their relationship is built on mutual respect. “We’ve always been there for each other, obviously very competitive towards each other as well,” says Alona. Their competitive dynamic is evident in their head-to-head matches. “I try to beat her, and I’m pretty sure she does the same,” says Alona. However, she notes that she doesn’t engage in trash talking.
“I uh, a little bit,” she says with a laugh. “When I’m feeling some sort of heat and she’s getting under my skin, I got to beat her one way or another. If I can’t beat her on the golf course, there’s going to be a little bit of trash talk.”
Alona’s motivation stems from her desire to emulate her sister’s success and surpass it. “Just… seeing what she’s done with this game, that’s just a huge motivator for me,” she says. The Averys’ relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect and admiration. As Alona notes, “I’ve been in my sister’s shadow for the most part, and I’m still in the process of discovering who I am as a golfer.”
Despite the challenges, the Averys are committed to their family’s success. Maria Avery says, “So that’s kind of challenging for them. But we felt, for our family, that was the best formula for success for the girls, that I remain at work and that he go with them.”
Their unique approach to family dynamics has yielded impressive results. Amari Avery is currently playing professionally, while Alona Avery is competing in various amateur tournaments.
| Sister | Age | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Amari Avery | 21 | Playing professionally on the Epson tour |
| Alona Avery | 18 | Competing in various amateur tournaments |
The Averys’ story is a testament to the power of family support and the impact of sibling rivalry on athletic success. As Alona notes, “Just seeing what she’s done with this game, that’s just a huge motivator for me.” The Averys’ unique approach to family dynamics has yielded impressive results, and their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers everywhere.
