A BUDDING young golfer is setting his sights on a professional career and has been invited to be an ambassador at a tour hosted by six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo.
Zachary Blayney, eight, has been playing golf ever since he could walk, and is aiming to follow in the footsteps of his idols such as Sir Nick, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose.
The Hockley youngster has already played in two world championship events in America – including gaining a second-place finish – as well as winning the British Junior Golf Tour.
Zachary went to the British Masters event earlier this year, of which Sir Nick was the host.
Sir Nick’s wife Lady Linz shared a video of Zachary with Sir Nick.
His dad Scott Blayney said: “We then received another message saying Sir Nick was very impressed with Zachary and asking if he would like to be the ambassador for the Faldo Futures Tour. Of course, we said yes.
“We then met Sir Nick at the Open, which was an amazing experience.
“The Faldo Futures Tour aims to give younger kids between seven and 12 the opportunity to play in events across the UK and progress to a tour final event which is going to be on a very special golf course.
“Being an ambassador, Zachary will be the face of the tour and help to get more younger kids into the game of golf, having fun and perhaps starting their journey into golf tournaments as Zachary has done over the last few years.
“Zachary was so excited when we told him the news and even more excited when he received a video message from Sir Nick.
“Although he is only eight, Zachary loves the history of golf and particularly the European golfers who have been the best in the world and so Sir Nick is one of Zachary’s golfing idols.”
Zachary has a handicap of 12.3, and recently also won an international Best Golf Swing in the world competition.
Scott added: “Both my wife and I are incredibly proud of Zachary, not just because of his trophies and achievements etc but more so of the dedication and hard work that he puts into the game.
“Zachary has no doubts at all that he wants to make it as a professional golfer and follow in his idol’s footsteps.
To follow Zachary’s progress, visit www.zacharyblayneygolf.com
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