A Squamish junior golfer recently competed in the U19 provincial golf tournament in Prince George, and walked away second overall in his age group and tied for 40th overall.
The 14-year-old golfer, Preston Proudfoot, was competing against many other athletes who were far older than him at the July 2 to 6 competition. Proudfoot, who recently finished Grade 8, was one of eight athletes in his division with a graduation year of 2027 or 2028.
“I played really well all four days. My putting was mediocre on one day, but I did quite well on the other three days. It was the best ball-striking I have had all season,” wrote Proudfoot in an email to The Squamish Chief.
Proudfoot finished with a total score of 301 and a plus-17 to par. His first round was the best as he finished with a 72 compared to 78, 75 and 76 for the next three.
In his age group, Eden Kim finished ahead of him with a final total of 291.
Proudfoot said the course suited his game well as it was open with few trees. His longest drive was 310 yards, one of the best in his career so far, he said.
He explained that a few lessons were learned along the way, like focusing on his shots rather than where his competitors are.
“I have to play my own game,” he wrote.
A couple of other Squamish-based golfers also competed at the tournament in Prince George. Dan Moses and Jaxon Kearns played the first two rounds, but unfortunately missed the cut for the final two rounds.
Together the two finished tied for 51st in the Best Ball category of the tournament.
Proudfoot said he practices at the Squamish Valley Golf Club seven days a week. He will compete in the Club Championships in August with his coach, Cari Chow, as his caddy.
“I am super excited about that,” he said.
Proudfoot said his ultimate goal is to earn a golf scholarship to a university in the U.S. and that he’s focused on working hard to reach it.
See the final scores of the tournament on its website.
