Representing Thailand, five-year-old Louise Landgraf, a student at HeadStart International School, was one of 1,200 participants from all around the world representing 60 countries to play in the 46th series of the IMG Golf Junior World Championships and finished with a score of 187, just one shot behind 3rd place, only two behind 2nd.
Louise practices daily at Dragon Kids Golf Academy based at Phunaka Golf Centre and is trained there by Pro Punk. Speaking to The Phuket News, Pro Punk said, “Louise is only five-years-old and has been training at our academy for just over eight months at ranking S (under 6-years-old). She has done very well at this level which requires her to play a 2,800 yard range.
“Golf is a sport which requires a lot of skill and practice and it is quite expensive in Phuket. Louise is lucky to come from a family which can financially support her golfing tuition and her parents support her greatly when it comes to her playing.
“Louise’s mother came to meet me after her daughter had taken a few lessons and asked me to help train Louise to be in the IMG Golf Junior World Championship.
“She will have now have to practice to reach the E class level and when she reaches 14-15 she will be able to compete at youth and international level.”
Louise is also a member of the Laguna Phuket Golf Club.
The San Diego Junior Golf Association hosted the first Junior World Golf Championships in 1968. In its inaugural year, 475 juniors participated in the event representing seven countries and 20 US states. Today, the tournament has grown to 1,200 participants representing 56 countries and 42 states.
The IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships is the largest international event in the world and is unique for its international representation and cultural diversity.