Our latest junior golf Q&A is here and features 7 year old Alfie, a junior golfer from England!

We spoke with Alfie and his Dad, James from Hampshire about their love of golf.

Tell us about yourself and what interests you have besides golf?
 I love playing sports and English History! Most of my weekends are spent either playing football for my local U8 team or on the golf course. Before lockdown my favourite places to visit was Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. I’ve also got a puppy called Daisy who I love taking on muddy walks.

How did you first get into golf and how old were you when you first started playing?
I started playing golf last year when I was 6. At first it was just group lessons and regular trips to the driving range but over the last few months I’ve been having private lessons alongside the group lessons.

 What’s your first golfing memory?
Alfie: Probably crazy golf! Before I started playing golf regularly we would go and play crazy golf a lot!
Dad: And most of the time he won!!
Dad: For me I started playing when I was a little bit older than Alfie around the age of 9. I can vividly remember getting a new 9 iron for Christmas and rushing down to the range with my Dad to try it out. On the first shot I let go of the club!! As I was growing up I would play regularly with my Mum and Dad on courses in the UK and abroad. It’s nice to know that now Alfie has the golf bug and he’ll have the same opportunity to play with his Grandparents.

Where do you currently play?
I am a member at Worldham Golf Course which means I get to spend most weekends on the range and getting my Dad to caddy for me on the course!

 How does Alfie’s golf positively impact on you as a family?
Dad: Primarily the main thing is that we get to spend 3 ½ hours a week walking around the golf course chatting and bonding. It’s lovely to see Alfie doing something he loves and the dedication he puts into his practice is unbelievable. Young kids seem to spend a lot of time on devices so getting outside and playing golf has become a highlight of our weekends.

What advise would you give to other parents whose children have shown an interest in golf?
Dad: I think the main thing is just to enjoy it. There is a big focus on ‘winning’ in all sports but doing something that they enjoy and makes them happy has to be the number 1 priority. In fact one of the things that has impressed me so much is how a 7 year old deals with the mental side of the game. Whether it be in lessons, on the range or on the course you are really playing against yourself and seeing the focus that Alfie has is incredibly.

What’s in the bag?
Lots of balls and tees (and probably some sweets!) I have a set of US Kids UltraLight clubs and an awesome Ping ProdiG golf bag. My favourite club at the moment is definitely my Fairway Wood.

How often do you currently practice?
I have a group lesson on a Wednesday evening and then a private lesson every other week. Outside of those I probably go to the range 3-4 times a week and then try to play at least once every weekend.

What are the biggest strengths in your game?
I think approach shots. Playing on the course I’ve worked hard using my 7 and 9 iron to make sure I can hit the green and leave myself an easy putt (or two)!

What areas of your game are you working hardest to develop?
The area I focus on most with my coach is definitely putting. This is the area which makes the biggest difference to my score when I’m on the course and I’m working hard to get down in 2 every time!

What’s the best shot you’ve ever hit?
This is an easy one! The 15^th hole at Worldham is a par 4 and 263 yards off the red tees. In May I managed to finish the hole in par and every shot I hit went exactly to plan.

Proudest parent moment?
Dad: Early this month [in May] Alfie entered his first junior golf tournament. He won his distance category by 5 shots and seeing the look on his face when he came home from school and found out was very special. Outside of the competition every time he hits a great shot or sinks a difficult putt his reaction is amazing and makes me very proud.

What are Alfie’s ambitions in golf?
Dad: The one thing I’d say about Alfie is that he has a big competitive streak so it’s unsurprising to hear that his ambition is to one day make it as a Pro. In the short term entering and winning some more junior golf tournaments.

Who is your biggest fan?
My biggest fans are definitely my Mum and Dad (as well as my Grandparents)!

Who is your dream Fourball?
Alfie and Dad: Well definitely us and then Justin Rose & Rory McIlroy. They’d have to do a lot of waiting around though while we play out shots!

What course would you love to play most.
Alfie and Dad: It’s a long list but I think experiencing a course like the Brabazon at the Belfry would be amazing.

Who would you most like to meet in the world of golf?
Alfie: This is an easy one. Justin Rose!

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. We look forward to seeing your game develop in the coming years and wish you all the success.
You can follow Alfie’s progress on his Twitter account @TeeTime14995353