Port Stephens has a new golfing whiz kid in 12-year-old Amy Squires who last week shot a one under par while competing at the JNJG Srixon International Sub Junior Classic tournament.
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The Year 7 student at Tomaree High School who is a member at both Nelson Bay and Horizons golf clubs, shot her amazing round - 70 off the stick - at the Hunter Valley golf course near Cessnock.
Squires, who has a strong long game but struggles a little with her putting, shot an incredible six birdies on a day where the youngster could do no wrong.
"I guess just everything worked well that day. I was thinking about what I had done in practice and felt quite relaxed when I was hitting the ball," said Amy, who reduced her handicap from 14 to nine following her spectacular feat.
"I think it is important to remain relaxed and have fun ... I love the competition with the other girls and I enjoy a challenge."
Amy's one under par in the third round of the Srixon international shot her into sixth place overall.
Coached by her dad Paul Squires, Amy is well aware of the challenges ahead - both technically and mentally.
"I know I have to be more consistent and will have to work on my concentration and fitness" to remain competitive at the elite level," she said.
A natural sporting talent ranging from netball and cricket to nippers and surfing, Amy first took up golf at the age of eight, following her dad around the course.
It wasn't long before her extraordinary skill began to cut through to the point where she can now beat her dad/coach.
The summer is generally an off-season for junior golf but Amy is already thinking of her future.
"I would definitely like to turn professional when the time is right, maybe college golf in America."
As a golf squad member of the Hunter Academy of Sport, Amy regularly competes in the ladies and junior pennants at Nelson Bay, as well as the junior pennants for Newcastle district.
Amy, who one day hopes to emulate the achievements of some of her golfing heroes such as Karrie Webb, Mingee Lee, Jason Day and Tiger Woods, said that she enjoys playing with the ladies at both Nelson Bay and Horizons golf clubs, who have been extremely supportive and helpful to her over the years.