Junior golfers show their skills at US Kids Golf Tournament

These junior golfers are demonstrating their repertoire of skills at a tournament designed for emerging young players.

They have the patience of saints and skills beyond their years.

Three local junior golfers competed in the US Kids Golf Tournament at Bankstown Golf Club on Sunday for the fifth of eight tournaments in the series.

Adam Derbas, 9, Rhys Vella, 12, and Harry Gourlay, 7, entered the weekend competition leading their age divisions.

Rhys, who has played at Bankstown Golf Club since he was eight, came second in his division by a six-point margin, finishing with 86 points.

His mother, Rachel Vella, said the result reflected his passion for the sport.

Junior golfer Rhys Vella. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

The Clancy Catholic College student began playing from a young age and is the only member of the family to take up the sport.

“Since he’s been little he’s had a golf club in his hand,” Mrs Vella said. “He’d like to play from the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to bed.”

Under the mentorship of Greg Watkinson from Bankstown Golf Club, and Luke McNaughton from Milperra Golf Driving Range, Rhys has continued to excel at the sport he loves, Mrs Vella said.

The next tournament will be held at Campbelltown Golf Club on April 3.