Eight-year-old Kwon Bee Sim has become the youngest women’s club champion in Australian golf history after winning the final round at Northbridge Golf Club in Sydney with five holes to spare.
The Year 3 pupil from Sydney’s North Shore, who plays with clubs much smaller than those of her opponents and has a handicap of 10, said golf had become central to her identity.
“It’s like explaining why I like my mum and dad. Golf is just a part of me now,” Kwon Bee said.
Northbridge Golf Club head professional Clinton Russell said her opponents quickly realised they faced a formidable challenge.
“She’s hit it to about ten foot, and the opponent’s looked at her caddy and gone, ‘oh, we’re in trouble’,” Russell said.
Kwon Bee said she had been excited to play alongside the other competitors and described the victory as an opportunity to test herself against “other amazing players”.
Her father, Kyu Sim, is a former professional golfer, while her mother, Park Han Kwon, said she had always sensed her daughter was strong.
Kwon Bee hopes to become a professional golfer and is already motivated by the prospect of beating her father.
“He’s a good touring professional, and I just want to beat him,” she said. Asked how often she does so now, she replied: “A lot.”
Her parents said their priority remained allowing her to enjoy childhood while developing her game.
“For her age, it’s more about fun. It’s a bit more give you good, positive motivations,” Kyu Sim said.
