To be honest, I didn't know it was a tournament as I asked his instructor James about whether he would have a chance to play on a course as part of his lessons in Level 2, which he said yes. So, I actually thought it was a playing lesson!
When I arrived in the morning (7 am) at Bukit Jelutong, tons of parents and kids already hitting balls at the driving range. We were told that it would start around 7:45 so we went down to the driving range and let Ryan hit some balls.
After an initial briefing (and compulsory group photo), we were off. It was actually great as they converted the Bukit Jelutong Pitch & Putt course (all par 3s) into a mini course suited for kids (with par 3s and par 4s). The tee boxes were a bit confusing though and the layout of the course was a bit hard to follow at first. There were actually 2 levels to play off - Blue Level 1 Tees and Gold Level 2 Tees. Ryan played off level 1 as it was his first time and also because of the yardages (no way he could make regulation from the Gold Tees with Par 3 up to 100+ yards - his BEST, PERFECT shot with his 3 wood would be about 60 yards).
After an initial briefing (and compulsory group photo), we were off. It was actually great as they converted the Bukit Jelutong Pitch & Putt course (all par 3s) into a mini course suited for kids (with par 3s and par 4s). The tee boxes were a bit confusing though and the layout of the course was a bit hard to follow at first. There were actually 2 levels to play off - Blue Level 1 Tees and Gold Level 2 Tees. Ryan played off level 1 as it was his first time and also because of the yardages (no way he could make regulation from the Gold Tees with Par 3 up to 100+ yards - his BEST, PERFECT shot with his 3 wood would be about 60 yards).
Here's Ryan after his first Tee-off! Great shot and no such things as 1st tee nerves (I guess he was really anxious to get on with it since he was the last to tee-off)
He really enjoyed himself throughout the day and spent a lot of time running around the course (more like a playground).
On the 2nd hole, there was a big water hazard, ie. lake, in front of the green and he had to tee-off to the right and approach from the side. Good tee-off, but then on his 2nd shot, he was aiming across the water. I pulled him back towards the fairway as it was clearly too far to go. The joker however, turned back left after his practice swing and let fly a solid 6-iron into the water. After that, he told me, "I wanted to cross!". hahaha.... Going for the glamour shots from a young age!! :)
Got it on to about 5 feet. BUT he couldn't hole it out after 4 putts up and down the hill... so got a maximum score of 10!
Overall he played well from tee to green, however, his putting distance control was pretty bad. But it was ok since it was his first time on a real course. The other key thing was his alignment as he has a tendency to aim right of the target (by quite a bit). Kept having to remind him "where are you aiming?" and pulling him back here and there.
He completed the day with a score of 66 (bogeyed the last hole for his best score of the day), which was good enough to get 3rd place in his category (Boys 6 yrs and under). His category was actually the largest and most competitive group with 12 boys. The winner shot 58.
Here's the little champion receiving his prize :)
We'll definitely be going again, of course being nice to win, but more because there are very few chances for kids to have a game and learn on a real course. When was the last time our clubs let kids (or even beginners) play?
(Note: Krystal kept pressuring me to post this on our blog...)
8 comments:
I was reading the post and thought to myself, wow Krystal knows a lot about golf until I read the small notes at the bottom. LOL.
What an achievement for Ryan. He sure did Papa and Mama proud. Of course you (Jason) should record this down. Bravo Ryan. Great start.
Ps: I want to see Krystal's new look...
I would know a little if J allowed me to go to the golf course that day :p
My new haircut ah...I look like a school girl now...hehe...
Ya..i wanna see your new hair cut.. so on the golf day, u and #2 were somewhere else la??? hope Ryan dont become a buaya..hehehehehe i'm sure he wont. anyway looking at the website now. i am seeing how young do they recruit for class? wanna send philip too..
and yes on a sat..consider prime time..furthermore morning..most golf course is full one.. so its good that the kids get to play.
*clap clap clap* good job Ryan :) He looks like a pro at the golf course :D
wow! A prize at the first outing. way to go Ryan! We'll soon see more golf trophies with your name than your dad's. Go for the 'cross the water hazard' shot as you'll make it. The water is only there to scare 'chickens'. Love, yeh2
of course pester u to post la.. own son's achivement wor! Bravo Ryan!
wow.. another Tiger Woods in the making? great achievement, Ryan!
hahahha..i was having the same thought as etceteramommy, wow..don't play play, Krystal knows a lot about golf!
Well done Ryan!
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