Junior golfer’s plans on hold
A Taranaki golfing sensation has for the moment had his career knocked out of bounds by coronavirus.
Kingston Taylor-Voyle recently qualified to play in three tournaments in the United States later this year but it is now in doubt the events will go ahead as the world grapples with the Covid19 crisis.
The 12-year-old, who is a member of both the Manukorihi and New Plymouth clubs, took part in the Sean Foley World Stars NZ Tour where he stunned the organisers with his ability and gained entry to two tournaments in Las Vegas and one in California.
Tournament director Jason Mann said Kingston, who he described as a ‘‘young rising star’’, had set two records during the events – the lowest gross score ever as well as being tied for the lowest scoring average in the Summer World Stars Tour.
‘‘We look forward to seeing Kingston thrive in the future,’’ Mann said.
Despite facing the disappointment of the tournaments not going ahead Kingston, who has been playing golf since he was aged 3, was not letting it get him down and said he would continue to practise for next year.
‘‘I felt really proud but I am pretty gutted because you cannot leave the country. Hopefully it will be gone by then.’’
Kingston, who was the only under-13 player to make the cut at the 2020 North Island under-16 and under-19 championships in Hamilton earlier this year, said there were still some improvements he wanted to make to his game.
‘‘Putting and chipping are basically the parts of my game that are good. When my driving game is good it is good, but there are the odd one or two shots that cost me, though.’’
Kingston’s golfing idols are Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and one day he wants to play in the New Zealand Open, hoping it could lead to bigger things.
‘‘If I do well in that, I might be able to get overseas.’’
His father, Bruce Taylor, said it felt surreal to see the success his young son had achieved.
‘‘It is out of this world.
‘‘He is really competitive and sets huge goals.
‘‘He has put so much work in and he is always working hard to improve his game.’’
He said Kingston would now be focusing his attention on qualifying next year for the 2022 world championships.