SEVEN-YEAR-OLD David James Wee Teves from Davao City recently joined the US Kids World Golf Championship held at the historic and world-famous Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, USA.
David, who also happens to be my nephew, competed with 1,500 kid representatives of 50 countries including United States, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Czech Republic, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, England, South Korea, Japan, and China.
The championship took place at the Mid Pines Golf Club, one of the several courses that dotted the Pinehurst community. This is home to the celebrated Pinehurst No. 2 which is renowned for hosting the 2014 US Open, 2014 US Women’s Open, US Amateur Open, PGA Championship, and Ryder Cup.
Junior golfer
“Golf started early for David. I can remember him playing with toy clubs when he was just 2 years old,” his father said.
But it was not until David was six years old that he would tag along with his dad, also an avid golfer, to the local driving range. This is also where they met his coach Roland Revilleza who further nurtured his skills and encouraged him to play and enjoy golf.
When he turned seven, David played in local tournaments at Apo Golf and Country Club and, on several occasions, emerged as a champion of his age group. “We would always remind him to enjoy the game and play his best, win or lose. Quitters will never be winners”, challenges mommy Eileen.
In May 2018, David won the US Kids World Golf Championship qualifying event for the seven-year old category held at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Cavite City.
World-class golf
After 24 hours of travel and in-between jet lag, the family finally arrived at Pinehurst to a superbly world-class reception during the first week of August.
Colorful flags of participating countries lined both sides of the long road greeting players as they drove up the famed Pinehurst No. 2.
One of the highlights of the event was the Parade of Nations where the Philippine team (Davao, Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan and Manila), accompanied by the Pinehurst marching band, took turns carrying the Philippine flag and proudly marching for the country, along with teams from around the world. “Just like the Olympics!” David playfully adds.
With an emphasis on fun and being family-friendly, on the lineup was the Parent/Child Team Tournament, the Honda Experience sponsored by Honda Japan where kids and adults played mini golf; and the Team Challenge, a 9-hole event played under a player/friend or player/player format.
Daddy caddie
On tournament day, the names of the countries were shouted out as each representative teed up to hit the first shot. Caddies, all with names of their players proudly emblazoned on the backs of their uniforms, carried golf bags with matching team colors and flags.
After the three-day event, Bento Assis of Brazil, the reigning champion of the age 6 division of last year, was declared as the winner, besting all 115 players under the aged 7 division.
“For us, joining the championship is already an achievement and seeing David playing and enjoying with other kids from all over the world are enough memories to last for a lifetime,” beams James who served as his son’s caddie.
“During the tournament, my dad and I learned how to get used to the speed of the greens, to stay focused as the game may not always be going well, and to play by the rules. My dad would always remind me that whatever happens on the golf course stays on the golf course. He is my coach and caddie but, after the game, he is my Papa and I am David!” declares the Davao Christian High School grade 2 student.
At home, at last, and with a big smile, David gets back to be the kid that he is.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.