AFTER his recent win at the SA Kids Golf Junior Africa Challenge, Jamie Smith will now focus on working towards the Junior World Champs in America next year.
The seven-year-old first started the sports three years ago when he picked up a club while at the driving range with his father, Duane. He has since grown into the sport and thoroughly enjoys being on a golf course. “It is really fun and it’s nice to hit good shots and sink putts,” said Jamie.
He trains through Sunshine Kids Golf Academy at the UKZN driving range three times a week and competes in at least one competition per week. Each of his training sessions is about an hour long and he focuses on chipping, putting, swing correction with video analysis.
The Pinetown resident travelled with his family to take part in the three-day championship in San Lameer where he competed against eight other players in his age group. He played three rounds of nine holes each day and made quite a few friends during the tournament. “I am so happy that all of my hard work paid off and that I won and can’t wait to play golf for the rest of my life,” said Jamie.
After his win he was invited to compete in the junior world championships in Pinehurst in North Carolina, USA, in August 2017. The family will host a golf day fundraiser nearer to the time to help raise funds for the trip.
