Spa schoolboy sensation aims to be the next Rory

Spa schoolboy sensation aims to be the next Rory

9 December 2015

BALLYNAHINCH  schoolboy Todd Craig is certainly in a class of his own when it comes to golf.

Todd, who just celebrated his 11th birthday last week, has seen his handicap plummet by a massive 19 shots in the space of only four months after joining the juvenile ranks of Spa Golf Club.

He took part in his first competition back in July, playing off the maximum handicap of 36. But his natural ability, flair and enthusiasm was obvious from the start and soon began to make his mark in the junior ranks.

A pupil at Ballynahinch Primary School, he played in Spa’s final juvenile competition of the season and at the end of November club officials reduced his handicap to 17.

Todd, who said he was “really pleased” with his achievement, started taking an interest in the sport when he began to accompany his grandfather, Spa senior member Wilfie Craig, to the practice ground in 2014.

Assistant Spa professional Matthew Weir said he watched Todd hitting practice shots on several occasions and was impressed by his talent.

“He has a beautiful, natural swing and hits the ball really well,” Matthew said. “His entire game is strong and, of course, his enthusiasm for golf is obvious.”

Spa captain Mike Porter said everyone at the club was delighted by Todd’s “phenomenal achievement” and was extremely proud of him.

A typically shy young man, Todd said he hadn’t made up his mind what he wanted to do with his life after school but admitted he “wouldn’t mind” becoming a professional golfer.

He would seem to be well on the way to achieving that ambition!