A YOUNG Frome golfer has made a name for himself on the international stage after competing in the World Junior Golf Championship last month.
11-year-old Henry Lewer spent three days in sunny Portugal at the Amendoeira Golf Resort in February to compete with 34 other people in his age group in a challenging 54-hole stroke-play competition. Henry finished in a very impressive 19th place meaning he is now currently ranked 19th in the world for 11/12-year-old boys.
Henry took up golf in 2019 at the age of eight, which is relatively late in comparison to other competitors. He is currently three times nett winner on the British Junior Golf Tour, a member of the Somerset under 12 squad, Wells Golf Club under 12 junior club champion and Yeovil Golf Club junior open nett champion.
Henry said, “I enjoyed the experience of a major competition as I learned a lot about myself, and I was very happy to receive compliments from several other parents regarding my short game as it something that I work really hard on due to the fact that I’m smaller and can’t drive the ball as far as others.”
His mum Lisa said, “On day one, Henry had a great round in challenging 25mph winds playing below his handicap, shooting 89; however knowing he had left a few shots out there, he set himself a challenge to beat this score by 4 the following day.
“Day two started with rain and winds of 30mph but Henry was determined and pulled off an amazing round of 83, six shots better than the previous day and seven under his handicap. This meant the challenge to better this score the final day was going to test his determination.
“On day three, he went all out and found himself only five over after nine holes; unfortunately his dreams came crashing down on hole 12 when he found the water twice (there was water and bunkers on every hole) and a costly nine cost him six places from that one hole. However he showed great maturity and resilience and bounced back with a par on the next hole.
“His resilience to overcome disappointment in Portugal was amazing as he managed to pick himself up and produce a par on the following holes; previously he would have let this play on his mind, but he showed great maturity.”
“He has taken a lot of positives away with how he coped physically and mentally with 72 holes (including the practice round) in four days. He has made a note of areas he would like to work on with his coach but also great confidence that he can compete with other players that in the past he has been in awe of.”
His parents have praised his determination and dedication to the sport. His mum, Lisa, added, “Henrys dad and I are immensely proud of what he has achieved in a short amount of time, he is very dedicated with two hourly coaching sessions a week, plus playing every weekend with his dad.
“Henry will be embarking on another year on the British Junior Golf Tour from April and in July he has qualified for the Champion of Champions at Loch Erne Golf Club in Ireland where he will again face competitors from all over the world.”
Henry has now also been invited to compete in next year’s World Junior Golf Championship next February in Marbella.
