Naomi making a big name for herself in golfing circles

She might be one of the youngest swingers in town - but Ballymena girl Naomi Foster is certainly making a name for herself in golfing circles.
Young golfer Naomi Foster, who was the winner of three tournaments at Massereene Golf Club. INBT 37-801HYoung golfer Naomi Foster, who was the winner of three tournaments at Massereene Golf Club. INBT 37-801H
Young golfer Naomi Foster, who was the winner of three tournaments at Massereene Golf Club. INBT 37-801H

At the age of just 11, the St Colmcille’s Primary School pupil is already showing she has an outstanding talent on the greens and fairways.

Recently, she won the Lady Captain’s prize at Massereene Golf Club Junior Captain’s Day for a second time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is the latest success for Naomi since her grandmother bought her a plastic golf club when she was a small child.

That interest intensified when she began to accompany her father Stephen on outings at Massereene.

“She has been into golf since she was no age,” Naomi’s mother Donna Gordon told Times Sport.

“She really began to take an interest when she was about seven.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“At that stage her father would take her out to play when I was working and she really developed an interest.

“I know sometimes kids’ interests move from one thing to another but she’s kept up her interest in golf.

“When she started out, she was playing off the yellow markers but she only got to play off them once before she was told she would have to play off the red ladies’ markers.

“She has won a few different competitions during the year but she was really pleased to win the Lady Captain’s prize at Junior Captain’s Day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That gave her a real boost and she’s been out practising quite a lot during the school holidays.

“She doesn’t get out as much now that she’s back at school but she still goes out to play as often as she can

“Her handicap has been reduced to 36 now which means she can play with the adult ladies in their competitions.

“The junior section at Massereene is very good and the club professional says she has a swing to die for.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The members at Massereene take a very keen interest in Naomi and I’ve already had some of the lady members on the phone looking for her to play with them in competitions.”

Donna says Naomi would love nothing more than to turn her hobby into a career.

“She would love to be a professional golfer when she’s older.

“She tells people that hopefully some day they’ll see her playing golf on the television so she certainly has plenty of ambition!” laughs her mother.

And with that sort of belief - along with no shortage of skill and talent - who would bet again Naomi achieving her goal in the future.