Seven-year-old Ballito golfer competes at World Junior Golf Champs
The Umhlali Prep pupil was the only South African in the boy's 7 division.
Golf prodigy Carter Ross (7) recently had his first taste of World Championship competition, playing on the same golf complex as this year’s US Open.
The Umhlali Prep pupil took on global competition in his age group in the US Kids Golf World Championships, widely recognised as the premier junior golfing competition in the world.
He was the only KwaZulu-Natal golfer of any age group (ages 6-12) to qualify and the only South African in the boy’s 7 division.
Teeing off at one of the most prestigious golf complexes in the world, Pinehurst Country Club in North Carolina, Carter played three 9-hole rounds on the Mid Pines Course from August 1-3.
He finished tied 61st in a field of 104 players from 19 countries, posting a score of 133 following rounds of 44, 40 and 49.
“I had a really tough tournament and didn’t finish close to where I wanted to be, but I learnt so much!” said Carter. Carter had played three practice rounds before the tournament, which, when coupled with the travel fatigue and 40-degree heat, proved a bridge too far. I left all my great shots out there, shooting par or under par every day,” he said.
“It just wasn’t sustainable for me, but no excuses… I will come back stronger and wiser!”
The experience of representing his country and playing against international golfers will no doubt prove invaluable in his upcoming competitions back home. The trip offered plenty of opportunity beyond the golf itself too. Carter was able to be part of the Parade of Nations, where he flew the South African flag with pride alongside 1428 players from 55 countries.
“It was an incredible trip and experience, meeting new friends and seeing some old ones too,” he said.
“Thank you to the rest of the South African team, my parents, sponsors and everyone else who has supported me.”
Carter will next compete in the US Kids ‘season’, a series of junior events which start in Johannesburg next month.
The player with the most points after the season will qualify for next year’s World Championships.
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