Golfer dreams of one day playing the US Ladies tour

WHEN the rest of the golfers have long retired to the clubhouse, Amy Chu is often spotted in the fading light practising her chipping.

Amy Chu, 17, has just been selected in the Australian team to compete at the world junior golf championships. Picture: Brianne Makin

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WHEN the rest of the golfers have long retired to the clubhouse to discuss the afternoon’s round, Amy Chu is often spotted in the fading light practising her chipping on Liverpool Golf Club’s practise range, headphones in and thousands of kilometres away dreaming of the fairways of the best courses in the United States.

It’s that dedication and drive that prompted Liverpool Golf Club women’s committee chairwoman Deanna Bruker to nominate the 17 year old, from Bonnyrigg, for a Fairfield Advance Local Sports Star award.

“Amy is incredibly dedicated to her golf game ... she is on the practise range every day hitting balls,” Bruker said.

But it was Chu’s list of achievements so far this year, backed up with selection in the Australian team to compete at the IMG Academy World Junior Golf Championships next month in California, that clinched the teen’s nomination from an admiring Bruker.

Chu herself, who plays off a handicap of -1.9, is chuffed with how her game is developing this year.

“I opened up the year with a win at the Harvey Norman Week of Golf, which was played over a variety of course in NSW and won by a few shots,” she said.

“Winning the SA Junior Girls Amateur the week after showed even though I’m in a different state and playing different courses I can still manage my golf game and be in a good form.”

The worlds will be Chu’s second tilt at that level.

“I went in 2014 to play my first junior worlds,” she said. “This year will be my second and I’m more excited than ever; it will be a great opportunity for me to play against the world’s best. I know the competition will be tough, but it will be a great way for me to compare and compete with my game. This will be the true test of my game, and I’m pumped for the trip to happen. It’s such a great learning experience for myself.”

Our champions

● The Local Sports Stars program is searching for athletes aged under 18

● The program has five categories: Junior Sports Star Individual; Junior Sports Star Team; Young Sporting Spirit Individual; Young Sporting Spirit Team; Service to Sport

● Visit: localsportsstars.com.au