Congratulations to Alfie Bell, 12WMNS, who was the first schoolboy in NZ in the U19 age category, at the recent Golf NZ Age Group Championships, held in New Plymouth, during Winter Tournament Week.

Alfie came 2nd overall at the NZ Age Group Championships, in the Boys U19 category, losing to ex-student Yuki Miya. Yuki finished up with a -9, and Alfie a -2.

Before Alfie took part in this event, he travelled to the USA (with his Dad) competing against players up to 18 years of age in two international events, which he qualified for. They were:

• Future Champions Golf tournament in Palm Springs

• World Stars of Junior Golf tournament at Angel Park, Las Vegas

The FCG tournament is a World Amateur Golf ranking event and attracts many university coaches from across the USA looking to offer scholarships to the most talented players.

They played 13 courses across 4 states; California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. There were some fantastic courses too, with awesome views across the plateaus and awesome rock formations as a backdrop.

Tournament wise, Alfie struggled in the first one on the front 9's, but played the back 9’s across the first 2 days in 1 under.  He missed the cut unfortunately.

The second event was different, and he finished tied 15th.

Overall, he didn’t look out of place, held his own, learned lots and took away some good things to work on.  A great experience, well worth it to see how he fared against US and world players.

Alfie was recently selected and played in the Woodward Cup team for the Russley Golf Club, the top interclub team at the club.  A great achievement for him at a young age being the only junior in the team.  He is now hoping to make the Canterbury Junior Rep team again for an upcoming tournament.