This fall season marked the first time sisters Berlin and Aadyn Long competed side-by-[side on the BYU women’s golf team.
“[Golf] is a family thing,” Aadyn said.
The sisters got started in the sport when their family joined Alpine Country Club in Highland, Utah, in their childhood. Their parents enrolled them in lessons and what began as a simple family activity quickly became a competitive path.
Coaches noticed early that they could be successful and soon the sisters moved from lower level tournaments into more competitive events. Their older brother later played at Southern Utah University, becoming the first in the family to compete in college golf. This put high level golf on the radar for the Long sisters.
Berlin and Aadyn played one season together at Lone Peak High School before their paths split. Berlin joined BYU four years ago and redshirted last season while recovering from a nerve injury. Aadyn arrived this fall as a freshman, stepping into a program Berlin was already familiar with.
For Aadyn, having her sister on the roster made the transition to college golf much easier.
“Being a freshman, [Berlin] helps me in literally everything,” Aadyn said. “She had to learn this all by herself, but I get to have her guide me.”
The long practices, often stretching four hours, feel different with her sister there. “They go by a lot quicker when you’re having fun,” she said.
Berlin said Aadyn’s arrival changed the feel of this season.
“Doing everything together has been so fun,” Berlin said. “This fall semester has been my best semester and it’s because of her.”
Even with their close relationship, they still face the competitive nature of college golf. Only five players travel to each tournament, meaning teammates regularly compete against each other during qualifying rounds.
Despite that, Aadyn said the competitive side hasn’t affected their relationship. “We’re each other’s biggest fans,” she said. “We are very supportive of each other.”
Berlin agreed and said the competitive side hasn’t made things tense. She explained that practices actually run smoother because they understand each other’s strengths and how to support one another.
“It’s honestly been so fun,” Berlin said. “We do everything together.”
Even when their travel schedules haven’t matched, they still find ways to stay connected. Aadyn said a text before a round or a call the night before has made a noticeable difference.
Berlin added that sharing the same practices, coaching, and tournaments gives them a level of understanding that’s rare on a college team. “You have someone who really gets it,” Berlin said.
Their family has felt the impact as well. Aadyn said their parents “love it,” and Berlin noted that having both daughters in the same program has made supporting them easier and more meaningful. She said her mom especially appreciates seeing the sisters help each other through the demands of college golf.
Both sisters say the season has shaped them on and off the course. Aadyn said Berlin “makes me better and teaches me a lot,” and Berlin said that doing everything together this year has made the experience stand out.