An eight-year-old girl has made Australian golf history, becoming the youngest female club champion in the country.
Kwon Bee Sim won the final round of the women’s club championship at Northbridge Golf Club in Sydney, defeating her opponent with five holes to spare.
The Year 3 student, from Sydney’s North Shore, has a golf handicap of 10 – a measure of a player’s ability that allows golfers of different skill levels to compete against one another. The lower the handicap, the better the player is considered to be.
Despite her young age, Kwon Bee says golf has become an important part of who she is.
“It’s like explaining why I like my mum and dad. Golf is just a part of me now,” Kwon Bee said.
“(It) felt exciting because I had the opportunity to play with other amazing players.”
Northbridge Golf Club head professional Clinton Russell said her opponents quickly realised they were facing a talented player.
“She’s hit it to about ten foot, and the opponent’s looked at her caddy and gone, ‘oh, we’re in trouble’,” Russell said.
Kwon Bee’s father, Kyu Sim, is a former professional golfer, while her mother, Park Han Kwon, said she was proud of her daughter’s strength and determination.
“When I gave birth, I just, you know, feel just in tummy. She’s very strong,” Park Han Kwon said.
Kwon Bee hopes to one day become a professional golfer, with one particular goal in mind: beating her father.
“He’s a good touring professional, and I just want to beat him,” she said, and when asked how often she beats him these days, the eight-year-old replied: “A lot.”
Her parents, however, are keen to make sure she continues to enjoy the game without pressure.
“For her age, it’s more about fun,” Kyu Sim said.
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