There is a rising star in our midst. To look at Alfie Hutton, who is 9 years old (10 in July, he reminds me quickly), you’d not imagine that this summer-born boy, with his slight build and quiet manner, would be the type of kid to have dreams of a career as a professional golfer. But after a few minutes chatting to Alfie, his enthusiasm, passion and earnest conviction shine through and from what the professionals are saying, he stands every chance of getting to the top of his game.
As a three year old, Alfie was taken to Tiny Tees in Hassocks, a fun golf activity club. He immediately showed exceptional hand/eye coordination and at the age of five his dad Jon took him along to Horton Golf Course in Small Dole. Now, strictly speaking, Horton is not built for five year olds; but Alfie was no ordinary junior. He showed promise and importantly really enjoyed the game. By the age of six many of the club members were pausing to watch as he tee-d off, he began to show some real technical skill and a natural ability.
Alfie then pursued lessons at Horsham Golf & Fitness, but his ability soon outstripped the age groups. In 2010, age seven, he was spotted by John Wilson, the u13 manager for Sussex. John, who runs a tour for juniors called the Tigger Tour, has been incredibly supportive of Alfie and gave him his first break in the Sussex team at the age of eight. John’s steadying attitude and insistence upon courtesy and politeness in the Tour has given many kids a really good start in the game. The priority is enjoyment – although they are very competitive, John appreciates that to give 100% dedication the children need to be gaining a huge amount of fun while they play.
Alfie plays at the beautiful Pycombe Golf Course. With rolling greens in the heart of the South Downs National Park this is no easy course – with 6,266 yards of challenging golf. Amidst the stunning views of the Jack and Jill Windmills Alfie has managed to get his handicap to 24. He plays with his dad, Jon, and has even started teaching him some shots and techniques!
Alfie’s journey is a family affair. Holidays and weekends revolve around Alfie’s tours but Jon and Zara don’t see that as a negative. They are getting to see Europe and some of the most beautiful golf courses in the UK (albeit on a shoestring, using vouchers cut from the paper for hotel rooms and saving for the cheapest method of transport). Little brother Jimmy is already wielding a club at the age of 3. He loves the game and can’t wait to play like his brother does.
And the future? This year he hopes to compete in both the European Championships at the end of May and the World Championships in Portugal in July. He’s looking forward to the Lee Westwood tour and several other competitions – during the season there are two or three a month. It’s a busy time but Alfie’s eyes light up when he talks about the tours, how he aims to be a scratch golfer by the age of 14 – quite a target. “I would love to be a professional by the time I’m 19, I just want to play golf. My favourite player is Rory McIlroy, he was a really good golfer from a young age. I watched him play and I’ve got his autograph.”