James qualifies for world tournament in San Diego

Aged just 9 years, James Bailey won the Callaway Junior Golf Tour UK Qualifier at Wildwood Golf and Country Club in Surrey at the weekend. This means that James, and caddy – dad Phil – are off to the world tournament in San Diego this July. James rose to the challenge of the scratch 36 hole competition that was played out over Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 April. At the end of Day 1 he was tied in first place at the top of the leaderboard only to go on and win outright on Day 2, finishing on an equivalent of 18 under par – a remarkable achievement.

It dawned on James at the presentation that a speech would be required so he bravely got up and thanked everyone for their support, including his Dad, tour organisers, the golf club and playing partners.

A pupil at Thomas Russell school in Barton under Needwood, James is delighted with his win and is looking forward to traveling abroad to play with the best junior golfers in the world. Strangely, James’ sisters, Paige and Abigail, have suddenly developed an interest in golf with the prospect of being ‘California Girls’ in the summer! Mum Angela is also very proud.