Our latest junior golf Q&A is here and features our very first junior golfer from South America!

We spoke with Pedro Wilhelm and Father Allan – from Brazil – about their love of golf and the ambitions of the super talented 7 year old from Rio de Janeiro.  Pedro already has a number of junior titles to his name including the 2020 US Kids South American Championship and 2020 US Kids Brazil Invitational Championship!

Tell us about yourself
I am a happy kid from Brazil that loves to play golf, soccer and board games.  I also like hanging out with my buddies, knowing new places and travelling to play tournaments. My favorite foods are baked fish and mashed potatoes. And I know everything about dinosaurs!

How did you first get into golf and how old were you when you first started playing?
My Grandpa loved watching golf on TV, then my Dad began to like it too.  In 2016, Brazil hosted the Olympics and Rio 2016 Olympic Golf Course retained as a great public legacy.  Dad saw an opportunity to finally play golf and in early 2018, when I was 4, I got my first bag with 4 clubs.  Since then, I never stopped grinding.

What’s your first golfing memory?
Watching the Masters on TV with dad in 2017.

Where do you currently play?
My home course is Rio 2016 Olympic Golf Course.  I am lucky to be supported and play in such a great and historical venue.

What’s in the bag?
That’s my fourth bag already! I currently have a set of US Kids Golf Tour Series with driver, 3 wood, 4 hybrid, 5-PW graphite shaft irons, 56 SW and a TaylorMade Spider Mini Putter.  I play with a Srixon Z-Star ball.

How often do you currently practice?
In a week, I practice 3-4 days and play 9 holes twice.

What are the biggest strengths in your game?
Short game, I love to have my SW in hands!

What areas of your game are you working hardest to develop?
Distance control and course strategy.

What’s the best shot you’ve ever hit?
It is a wedge shot hole out for birdie from a terrible lie around the green.

You have experienced a lot of success already, what do you put this down to?
I love any kind of challenge, and I practice hard to overcome it.  So, I put this down to my dedication on developing my game and become a better player.

What advice would you give to parents whose children play in competitions?
Competitions are usually tense for both parents and children.  Parents must avoid high expectations and overcharge the children.  It’s up to parents to keep them calm and ease with a positive and supportive posture.  From kids’ perspective, competitions must bring memories of good efforts and parents’ partnership, so they will enjoy and practice harder for the next one.

What are Pedro’s ambitions in golf?
I want to play as many tournaments as I can, play to Brazilian National Team, play College Golf in USA and finally PGA Tour.

What’s the best thing about golf?
I like lots of things in golf.  To be in touch with nature, face the challenge that the game brings all the time, spend some time with my buddies and Dad and especially the fun it gives me.

Who is your dream Fourball?
I’d love to play a round with Jordan Spieth, Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy.

What course would you love to play most.
St. Andrews (Old Course).

Who would you most like to meet in the world of golf?
Bryson DeChambeau.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us.  It’s great to see someone so talented enjoy the game so much. We look forward to seeing Pedro’s game develop in the coming years and wish you all the success.

You can follow Pedro’s progress on his Instagram account @pedro.wilhelm_golf give him a follow!