Grace Kim once followed her dad around the course, now she’s leading the way

EARLIER this year, golfer Grace Kim said that one of her goals was to “make the NSW junior girl’s team”. Now the 16-year-old from Greenacre has gone a step beyond.

Grace Kim, 16, has just been selected to be part of Golf NSW women's team.

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EARLIER this year, golfer Grace Kim said that one of her goals was to “make the NSW junior girl’s team”.

The 16-year-old from Greenacre has gone a step beyond, recently selected for the girls and women’s team for Golf NSW.

In a first for Golf NSW, the girls and women’s squads are identical and Grace, a member of Avondale Golf Club, is already earning her stripes.

In August last year Grace represented Australian in Canada and in December, she won arguably one of Australia’s most prestigious junior golf championships — the Greg Norman Junior Masters.

Grace’s entry into the sport came out of all things, from boredom.

“Dad plays golf so I just used to follow him around after school,” Grace said.

“I had nothing else to do on the range, I was so bored so I just started hitting balls.”

One month later her dad bought Grace, then 10, a set of clubs and after two years she started to get coaching.

“With golf you learn a lot about yourself and what you’re like in different conditions,” Grace said.

“I’m usually an impatient person but golf has taught me to be patient.”

Graeme Phillips on, general manager of Golf NSW, said he is quietly optimistic about this year’s teams.

“We have a lot of talent in the junior girls ranks — they are seasoned players despite most of them only being teenagers,” Mr Phillips on said.

“They might just surprise a few at how well they perform.”

Grace is The Express’ first Local Sports Star for 2017, nominated for the category of individual Junior Sports Star.

Other categories include Junior Sports Stars Team, Young Sporting Spirit individual and team, and Service to Sport.

The NewsLocal competition will run until August 31, with the awards to be presented in November.

To nominate a player or team, go to localsportsstar.com.au.