Five minutes with junior academy member, Teddy
Twelve year old Teddy has been a part of our junior academy for three years now. He’s a member of our junior team squad and has never been shy about what he wants to achieve in the game (which we wholeheartedly encourage!).
We caught up with Teddy to find out more about his passion for golf and aspirations for the future.
1. When did you start playing and what was it that made you give golf a go?
I first picked up a golf club aged six, when my dad got me a set of clubs to get me started. I then began taking lessons at Leeds Golf Centre at the age of eight. I used to have lessons every week on a Saturday.
From there I progressed to Tiger Cubs and started to play in the weekly competitions. I enjoyed the competitive medal every week and was pleased to win the Order of Merit one year, which really inspired me to get better and to take part in more competitions.
2. What do you like most about being a part of the junior academy at Leeds Golf Centre?
I have made a lot of friends in the academy and we can call each other to arrange a game whenever we want.
3. You’ve had a very successful season this year. Can you tell us a little about what you’ve achieved?
At the start of the season, I played in the European Open at the Glenn Golf Course in Scotland. It was an amazing experience meeting other golfers from around the world. I then played in a number of Leeds District Union events, winning at Cookridge with a trophy and an iPad! I made the final of the Matchplay and have played in a number of senior medals. My handicap has fallen by six strokes and at the end of August I won the Fenton Trophy at Alwoodley Golf Club for juniors. I was pleased to qualify for the Yorkshire squad in September too. One of the best highlights of the year was playing the Old Course at St. Andrews, we had fantastic weather and it was a great experience.
4. Making the Yorkshire squad is an amazing achievement. What will you be getting up to with them?
I think at first we will be training throughout the winter and I hope to take part in some of their matches next season, when I reach the required age.
5. Which pro golfers inspire you?
I like to watch Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson play because Dustin hits the ball a long way and Ricky comes across as a nice guy.
6. Where do you see golf taking you in the future?
I would like to go to university in America because that could lead to me becoming a professional golfer.
Our coaches have been so impressed with Teddy’s determination to succeed and his can-do attitude. If Teddy has inspired you to get your kids golfing, then head on over to read more about our junior academy here.