KID, 8, TEES OFF HUGE

FAST cars and golf – those are the two simple loves of eightyear-old Seb McLeod.

If he keeps playing golf as well as he is then McLeod will be able to afford the fast cars he desires.

The Royal Pines golf club member, who trains at KDV Sport in Carrara, is set to play for a world title in Ireland in 2022 after claiming the Australian 7/8 and under age division crown in April.

McLeod finished at oneover-par over on the back of shooting 73 on day one of the tournament and 71 on the second to win on his home course at Royal Pines.

The course has been used for the Australian PGA Championship in recent times and one-over would have been good enough to make the cut in 2019.

Proud father Saul McLeod, a former professional tennis player and coach, said Seb had a huge passion for the sport and was dedicated to getting better.

“He has forged his own path with golf,” Saul McLeod said.

“We spend most afternoons down at KDV or Royal Pines and we live across from Palmer

Colonial in Robina so we are pretty much on the course every afternoon.

“We leave it all up to him. I gave him the liberty of taking as many days off as he wanted after winning the national title and two days was enough for him, then he was back on the course.”

Such is his ability, Drummond Golf at Ashmore is already on board as a sponsor.

Saul McLeod said Seb spent ample time watching his golfing idols, including Tiger Woods and Australians Jake McLeod and Jason Day on YouTube between watching some fast cars on the tarmac.

McLeod finished fifth in his first appearance at the nationals at the age of five and was seven when he won this year’s trophy as a bottom-ager, meaning he can defend his title next year. McLeod still mostly plays just nine holes but sometimes lights up competitions on Saturday at Royal Pines where experienced players are left in awe.

“Everyone is pretty blown away by him,” Saul McLeod said.

“As soon as he swings the club he raises a few eyebrows. He averages between about two and five-over mostly.”