Beyond the Greens: The Heart and Hustle of AJ Salierno

As a senior in high school, AJ Salierno has already proven that true success in golf isn't about luck; it's about grit, growth, and faith.

Salierno pictured in the center. Courtesy of Britanie Salierno.

Sitting at No. 6 in Georgia's class of 2026 standings, Salierno's rise in the golfing world has been anything but easy. His journey is a reminder that champions are made long before they ever lift a trophy. 

"There have been some struggles in my game. I haven't felt on top of it this year than I have in years past, but I've just combated that by working harder," Salierno said. "It's been a long journey this year. Lots of ups and downs."

In the height of his college recruitment, Salierno lost his country club membership after his father lost his job. Salierno felt defeated, as his club membership was how he practiced, which meant he had to work immensely hard to prove himself on the course.

However, through determination and hard work, Salierno secured a job that essentially provided him with practice time on the course, allowing him to stay fit and ready for any golfing challenge. He hustled around the clock, juggled hours of golf, mastered his putting, all while doing his homework on top of it all. 

Though his setbacks have no hold on him now, Salierno recently claimed his second club championship at the Newnan Country Club in August of this year, shooting a weekend score of -1 143. And in September, he had his best round in a year, shooting for -6 / 66, winning the Notah Begay Regional Final Championship by three strokes.

"It was a very memorable day because it was a lot of pressure coming down the final stretch, but the hard work showed in that situation," Salierno said. "I overcame everything thrown at me and finished with a bang."

Now, with a fire under his belt, Salierno's journey continues at the next level as he has committed to play golf at Kennesaw State University. KSU is ranked among Georgia's top collegiate golf programs, sitting at No. 3.  

Salierno felt the bond immediately once he stepped onto campus, noting that the coaches made him feel like part of the family. 

“I got connected in late fall of my junior year, and I immediately felt the connection early on,” Salierno said. “I knew it was going to be a great opportunity to take because the coaches really care about me. It gets me excited to play at the collegiate level.” 

And while Salierno won’t be moving to Kennesaw until the fall of next year, he’s already planned out his expectations and goals for himself, in his academics and in his athletic career. 

“I want to be competitive with the best players in the country and be able to prove myself,” he said. “As a freshman, I just want to play in as many events as possible. I want to get put on that starting five roster.” 

As Salierno continues to participate in tournaments while awaiting the day he competes in college, he added that even through all the hardships and challenges he has gone through, his family has been at the center of it all, noting that without the hard work, determination, and standards they set for him, he wouldn’t get the results he wants.

“My parents push me every day,” he said. “They don’t let me go a day without letting me know that I need to keep putting in the work. They help push me.” 

Motivation is one thing, but for Salierno, it’s what he does before each round that sets the tone. His pre-round routine has become a key part of his success, helping him stay calm, confident, and ready to compete.

He claimed that music helps him start a tournament morning on the right foot, adding that it’s something that grounds him. 

“When I’m warming up, I listen to a little country or worship music, whatever I’m feeling that day,” Salierno said. “That gets me set in the right mindset for the day.”

Whether it’s listening to Riley Green or any mainstream worship band, Salierno is prepared to take on any challenge, focusing on the future ahead of him and reaching high goals. He even added that one day he dreams of putting on one of those famous green jackets.

“That’s the biggest thing that drives me every day,” he said. “That’s the lifestyle I want to live. I keep praying that’s gonna be my life, and if not, it’s not the end of the world. But that’s what gets me excited for the future.” 

From early mornings on the course to championship weekends, AJ Salierno continues to prove what hard work, family, and faith can achieve. His story goes beyond the green and is one of drive and determination.

As his journey continues, there is no doubt his hometown will be cheering him on every step of the way.