Trentham prodigy Alfie Turner, just 14 years of age, has made history by becoming the youngest golfer to claim victory at the Staffordshire Amateur Championship.
The teenager, from near Stoke-on-Trent, delivered a sensational round of 66 at Sandwell Park Golf Club – equalling the course record and finishing five under par.
Having picked up a golf club at the age of five, Alfie was already smashing drives of 230 yards by the time he was 12.
Now, with his sights firmly set on the future, he hopes to become the youngest qualifier in history for The Open Championship, taking place this July at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Alfie shared his ambitions: “I want to be like Rory McIlroy – and hopefully one day play alongside him in the Ryder Cup. When you’ve got people backing you, it pushes you to keep practising, even when things get tough.”
His dedication is unwavering. Alfie starts each day at 6:15 am with a full practice session at the driving range, followed by gym training – all before heading to school.
Reflecting on his early fascination with the sport, Alfie said: “When you’re outdriving adults and you’re half their age, it’s actually quite funny.”
His father, James Turner, who often caddies for his son, admits to feeling the pressure: “I can’t show it, but golf is brutal. Still, I’m immensely proud. He’s still so young, yet he holds his own playing against grown men.”
Unfazed by the competition, Alfie remains confident: “They try to get in my head – it doesn’t work. I think, ‘I’m going to have you here.’”
Next up for Alfie is the regional qualifying round for The Open at Enville Golf Club in Stourbridge, where he’ll compete against 132 players. Only eight will advance, but Alfie is determined to prove he belongs on the big stage.
