Elexis on course to become major star
11-YEAR-OLD HOPES TO WIN GOLF SCHOLARSHIP IN UNITED STATES
ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Elexis Brown, a member of Kirby Muxloe GC, is starting a busy new year with some great opportunities and some top targets.
These have come after a successful 2019 season and, despite her young age, have put her in a strong position to achieve her long-standing high aspirations in the game.
Elexis is also now a member of Woodhall Spa GC, the headquarters of England Golf and boosted by using the high-class facilities there, can be confident she has access to some of the best possible practice areas in the country.
Last year Elexis, whose interest in golf was inspired by a family holiday to America two years ago, when she played at the world-famous Pebble Beach course in California, achieved success on the popular Shires Junior Tour based in Northamptonshire.
She won a tournament on this tour at Kirby Muxloe last season where she scored 40 Stableford points and another with 42 pts at Market Harborough. She has been competing on this tour for several years now.
But after finishing in a high spot on the final order of merit she has been picked to play in this spring’s 5-star two-day Flogas Champion of Champions 2020 Junior event at the Powerscourt Golf Resort in County Wicklow, Ireland.
It will be over 36 holes with two full days of competition, and a total of 220 junior players taking part in different age categories.
There are official opening and closing ceremonies with young golfers from 25 different countries involved, so it promises to be a memorable occasion.
Her father, Ben Peter, said: “Elexis is totally committed to golf. She really loves the game and is quite determined to succeed.
“Her current handicap is 16, but she works extremely hard, under the guidance of her coaches PGA professional Evie Carter, who is based at Lingdale and Coalville Golf Centre, with additional tuition on short game skills from Alison Johns at Woodhall Spa.
“She works extremely hard. All this winter she has been at the driving range four to five times a week and is out on the course at least once, despite the difficulties presented by the weather during the last few months.
“Already, she is looking forward to getting out on to the course after school closes once it becomes lighter in the evenings.
“Kirby Muxloe is close to our home, so this will help.
“She is very fortunate to have gained special exemption to play in Ireland following her successes and she will also be able to play in a par 3 Championship at Nailcote Hall next summer, which is exciting for her.
“Elexis is an ambassador for one of the leading young golfers’ clothing ranges and has drawn support with entry fees from businessmen Naresh Patel and Michael Holt, of Spencer Druce Naylor Parkes, and a local photographer Michael Issitt.
“They have all been very impressed by her attitude and determination and have been able to help her a great deal.
“She is set on realising her dream to gain a golf scholarship to the USA when she is older, but is looking forward to this coming year and to building on her 2019 achievements during the next few months.
“But, of course, her enjoyment and happiness are paramount and will help her to succeed at this sport as she opens up these opportunities ahead of her.
“She is very excited about trying to get down her handicap and to improving her position.”