Boy wonder
7-yr-old Teves grabs US kids golf world qualifier
DAVID James Teves, a seven-year-old golf prodigy from Davao City, bagged the 2018 US Kids Golf World Championships Philippine International Qualifier boys’ seven years old division title on May 11 at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Cavite.
David, eldest son of James and Eileen Rose Teves, carded a total of 151 strokes in the threeday nine-hole tournament to nail his firstever out-of-town stint.
David's output was five strokes ahead of his closest pursuer Inno Miguel Flores who had 156 to salvage the second spot.
Joseph Sto. Niño Bernos II, however, landed on the third place with total of 189 strokes.
"During the US kids’ tournament, David was behind 2 strokes in the first two days. He played his best on the 3rd day, scoring 45 to be his best record ever on a nine-hole golf tournament," David's mother Eileen, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, narrated.
She said David started holding a toy golf club at the age of two, inspired by his dad James who originally plays golf in their family.
"He was tagging along his dad to the driving range when he was six and started training last year with his coach Roland Rivilleza," the proud mom added.
David started joining junior golf tournaments last February at the Apo Golf and Country Club.
David became phenomenal ever since.
He won back-to-back titles for the month of February and March, settled for the first runner-up honor for the month of April and took it up a notch higher by bagging a national title last week.
“David practices 3-4 times a week after school at the driving range and goes to the golf course during weekends,” Eileen said on David’s devotion to his sport.
The supportive mother, however, said David is looking forward to join the US Kids Golf tournament again and prepares for the Junior World Qualifying Tournament next year as well.
But before that, David is set to reclaim the Apo Golf and Country Club Monthly Tournament this coming May 19.
“David would like to thank Coach Ronald Revilleza, his family and friends for all the support and prayers,” David’s mother added.
David is turning Grade Two this coming school year at the Davao Christian High School.