PHILADELPHIA – William Penn Charter School senior and Huntingdon Valley resident Patrick Isztwan was named Philadelphia Golf Association’s (GAP) Junior Sportsperson of the Year in their winter 2020 publication. Isztwan, 17, has played on Penn Charter’s varsity golf team since his eighth grade year.
Isztwan saw a flurry of successes in GAP competition during the 2020 season, culminating in a win at the Christman Cup Tournament in July, where he shot 3-under-par at the LuLu Country Club. In June, Isztwan won the First Flight division of the Junior Boys' Championship and in July he teamed with his dad, Andy, to win the Younger division of the Father & Son Tournament.
Penn Charter senior and Huntingdon Valley resident Patrick Isztwan. – Photo Courtesy of WPC.
Isztwan has also had much success playing for the Quakers. As a freshman he won the Bert Linton Inter-Ac Championship and as a junior he was named Inter-Ac Champion Golfer of the Year after finishing the season with a significant lead in points. In November 2020, he signed a National Letter of Intent committing to play at the University of Richmond.
The GAP’s official announcement commended Isztwan for his “positive attitude and amiable disposition” on the course.
Travis Larrabee, Penn Charter’s golf coach, expressed similar praise for Isztwan’s character.
"Patrick is able to give advice and direction to his peers without coming across as critical or condescending,” said Larrabee. “This is a real gift, and this is not the type of leadership one can teach; Patrick comes by it naturally. He honors the game, respects his opponents, and supports his teammates."