Shropshire Star

Young golfer Sam is on tee for US championship

He only picked up a golf club a year ago after taking inspiration from Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore.

Published

He only picked up a golf club a year ago after taking inspiration from Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore.

But now a seven-year-old from Shropshire is set to swing over to America to take part in the US Kids Golf World Championships in Pinehurst in August.

Sam Gwilliams, of Annscroft near Shrewsbury, has already been taking on all-comers in his age group including one of the game's brightest hopefuls – ex-tennis player Anna Kournikova's younger brother Allan – at the US Kids Golf European Championship.

The youngster, who is a pupil at St Thomas and St Anne's School in Hanwood, has been invited to play in a competition at the Pinehurst course in North Carolina, which will be the venue for the 2014 US Open. Now family members are appealing for help with sponsorship to make sure Sam can make the trip.

His proud mum Alison said his passion for the game had only begun last year after Sam had watched Happy Gilmore. "Within a year, he is one of the best seven-year-olds in the world," Mrs Gwilliams said.

Mrs Gwilliams said Shropshire Star readers had helped the family last year when they were in need of support to get to the San Diego tournament.

"We want to thank all the people who helped him out last year," she said.

To help call Alison on 07854 859809.

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