Joel’s a golf star in the making

Joel McKimm. Remember the name. He’s the Carrick golf star in the making who, at just eight, has already competed at tournaments in Europe and America.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Mar 2014, 09:35 BST
Carrick lad Joel McKimm with Rory McIlroyCarrick lad Joel McKimm with Rory McIlroy
Carrick lad Joel McKimm with Rory McIlroy

The Woodlawn Primary pupil, now among the top 80 junior players in the world, first hit a ball when he was three. Since then, the burgeoning talent has rubbed shoulders with Rory McIlroy (inset) and worked under his coach, Michael Bannon.

Now he has his sights set on a return to the junior European Championships in Scotland in May.

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In the summer, hopes to be back in North Carolina at the World Championships, before taking part in the qualifiers for the British Championships.

Woodlawn Primary School pupil Joel McKimm (left) with class mates, Scott, Lewis and Euan. INCT 11-044-PSBWoodlawn Primary School pupil Joel McKimm (left) with class mates, Scott, Lewis and Euan. INCT 11-044-PSB
Woodlawn Primary School pupil Joel McKimm (left) with class mates, Scott, Lewis and Euan. INCT 11-044-PSB

Dad, Paul, couldn’t be more proud: “He’s really great. He has been at other competitions and he has won a few as well. He qualified for the British Championships two years in a row, and his qualifying score last year was one of the lowest at five under par,” he said.

He described Joel’s appetite for the game as “non-stop” and takes a keen interest as his son continues to develop under current coach, Stephen Gordon.

All that travelling aside, there’s no place like home for Joel to get some practice in. “Our garden’s converted with putting and chipping areas,” added Paul.

Related topics:CarrickEurope