Jean-Paul, 10, chases world golf glory . . .
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| SAN DIEGO BOUND: Jean-Paul Ralph Picture: Gemma Allwood |
A TALENTED 10-year-old Wirral golfer who only took up the sport 18 months ago is jetting off to San Diego, USA, in July to take part in the under-10 age group at the World Junior Golf Championships.
And Jean-Paul Ralph, a student at Birkenhead School, will be following in the footsteps of some of golf's most famous names, including the legendary Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els, who are all previous winners of this age group.
Jean-Paul's success since being introduced to the sport 18 months ago by his father, Patrick, has been nothing short of stunning. He has had numerous victories on the British Junior Tour and has also qualified to compete in this month's US Kids European Championships at Gullane, Edinburgh.
He will represent the British Junior Golf Tour when he flies to San Diego in July, when he will compete agains the best 9-10-year-old players in the world.
Jean-Paul is about 4ft tall and weighs about four stone soaking wet' - he is known affectionately as Tiny' Woods or Ernie Elf'!
He and his father - they live in Noctorum - both belong to Vicars Cross Golf Club, Chester, and Jean-Paul recently also became a member of Wirral Ladies Golf Club.
His golfing potential was spotted when Jean-Paul had lessons off Tony Davies, the PGA professional at Moreton Hills Golf Centre.
Said Tony: "He's a very talented lad with lots of ability. His swing was a little unorthodox at first, but he has worked hard and developed a more orthodox approach.
"Jean-Paul is well ahead of his years and if he keeps working to improve his game he can go all the way."
3:37pm Tuesday 6th May 2008
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