He’s repaying them with every putt.
A high school golfer from Long Island, driven by a profound purpose, has achieved a hole in one by raising over $700,000 for the hospital that saved his life as a baby.
“They rescued me, so it’s my responsibility to give back,” Skylar Friedman, 17, shared with The Post.
The Laurel Hollow teen is expanding his fundraising efforts—inviting golfers to join a nationwide putting competition for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he underwent a critical lung surgery at just five months old.
Friedman initiated the “100 Putt Challenge” last year, which allows golfers across the U.S. to pledge varying amounts based on the number of 6-foot putts they successfully make out of 100.
The challenge can be completed in various settings, from golf courses to living rooms to airplane aisles.
Challenging Beginnings
During an ultrasound before his birth, doctors discovered a troubling mass in the lower lobe of Friedman’s lungs, which posed the risk of a fatal heart attack.
“That moment was meant to be joyful, but it turned serious instead,” he reflected, noting the local doctors’ unfamiliarity with the condition.
After traveling to Philadelphia, Friedman successfully underwent surgery to remove part of his lung, and he has “been able to breathe easily ever since,” he noted.
Though he doesn’t recall the details of his surgery, Friedman is grateful for the kindness of the hospital staff during his ongoing visits, as he still returns twice a year for asthma management.
“Every visit reminds me just how compassionate the doctors and staff are,” he said. He now serves on the hospital’s youth advisory council and has given talks about patient care.
A Drive to Give Back
Driven to contribute more, Friedman enlisted the help of his longtime golf coach, Adam Laird. They channeled their love for golf into charitable initiatives.
Their journey began with a spontaneous golf marathon challenge, leading to substantial donations over time. Friedman even completed a “mini marathon” of 100 holes, pushing himself to his limits.
Last year, they revamped their approach with a remote putting challenge, reaching a wider audience. Friedman was thrilled to learn that his high school teammates would be participating soon.
“Now, we have participants from about a dozen states, with nearly 1,000 individual contributors this year,” he stated. He recently published “It Could Be Worse,” a book chronicling his life journey.
“Giving back feels like my calling. If my story can inspire even one person, it’s all worth it,” he concluded.
