Mandy Ambert – MG Lady Editor:
I have had the pleasure of seeing Alfie grow up as a junior at Trentham Golf Club when I was Junior Organiser, a role since taken over by his father James.
Only a year ago I had sat down with Alfie and James as we went through his achievements for 2023 at the ripe old age of 12. How could he possibly better that? Well, he has, and more strings have been added to this exceptionally talented young golfer’s bow in 2024, and he’s received recognition from David Lynn, the ex European Tour who played with Alfie in a Pro- Am, (Alfie incidentally shot 67 gross.)
David said “I’m excited to see the progression and am happy to help with advice. He can set his goals very high but always from the heart. The pursuit of a goal will see him pick up many accolades along the way as a biproduct. His mental strength will come with age and with a good team behind him to support him.”
In 2023 Alfie’s’ handicap aged 12 was two, now aged 13 it is plus one.
This year he’s won the 54-hole North of England U14 category and the Staffs U14 boys gross for the fourth year running, remembering he is still only 13 years of age.
He has represented Staffordshire in the U14, U16 and U18 categories and won the majority of his matches. He won the Staffordshire County Men’s Matchplay final held at Trentham Park and added the coveted Trentham GC Punch Bowl to the collection with an amazing four under through 36 holes. Sandy Lyle, David Lynn and Richard Mansell’s names are also on that trophy.
Another feat was to gain third place in the Midlands Champion of Champions competition held at JCB where he had a hole-in-one albatross on the par 4 12th hole, 280 yards in the practice round!
Alfie remains level-headed and simply states,
“I work hard at my game, continue to improve my swing path with Dan Hewitt PGA pro at Trentham and have high ambitions. With the support I have and the sponsorship with Ping, Patera Engineering, Midlands Indoor Golf I will focus next year on European ranking points in the U14 category.”
His father James added:
“I honestly thought Alfie would plateau this year, but he has shown that as a quick learner and with a great work ethic he reaps the rewards of his hard work and we as his parents are completely behind him.”
Alfie’s coach, Dan Hewitt goes further still:
“For the past seven years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of teaching and watching Alfie grow into a remarkable young talent, both on and off the golf course. From the first time he picked up a club, his willingness to learn and his unwavering dedication to the game have set him apart from his peers. His drive and commitment are truly extraordinary, especially for someone so young.
Alfie has been fortunate to have an incredible mentor in his father, who has not only spent countless hours with him but also guided him with patience and wisdom. This father-son bond has been instrumental in shaping Alfie’s development, both as an athlete and as an individual. His father’s influence has instilled in him the discipline, work ethic, and humility needed to succeed at the highest levels.”
” What Alfie has achieved at such a young age is nothing short of remarkable. A handicap of plus one at just 13 years old is an extraordinary accomplishment, a testament to his talent, determination, and countless hours of hard work. His ability to stay focused under pressure and continually push himself to improve is truly special.
But as impressive as his achievements are, what excites me most about Alfie is his potential. He has a very bright future ahead of him, with all the tools needed to succeed at the highest level. However, like all young athletes, it’s important for him to stay grounded, trust the process, and not get too far ahead of himself. Success will come, but patience and continued focus will be key.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Alfie is a name we’ll be hearing much more of in the years to come. Watch this space—this young star is just getting started!”
