2024 IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships qualifier: New Forest’s eight-year-old Henry Atkinson earns world champs place for second straight year
LYNDHURST junior golfer Henry Atkinson qualified for the 2024 IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships after winning his age category at the British Junior Golf Tour event in Horsham.
The eight-year-old Wellow Golf Club member, competing in the 9-10 age group amongst some of the best in the country, shot the winning score of 84 at Mannings Heath to take him straight through to the world championships in San Diego, California, for the second year running.
The challenging course measured over 5,400 yards with soft conditions, presenting a real challenge for the competitors.
Henry took to the test and shot the winning score over the 18 holes, scooping him the first-place trophy and securing him and just one other boy from the qualifier a place at the prestigious global competition.
Henry’s Dad, Luke Atkinson, said: “We’re so incredibly proud of Henry. He has worked really hard, and his passion and determination to always improve and learn is an inspiration.
“This year, he’s represented the Hampshire U14s squad, helped his U13s team to a tournament win against Surrey and Sussex and achieved a top-ten place in this year’s IMG World Championship.
“Winning this qualifier was his second national win of the year and is the icing on the cake of what has already been a fantastic season. I can’t wait to continue supporting Henry in his dream to play competitive golf all over the world.”
Henry will be looking to improve his score from the 2023 global competition, where he placed seventh in the world in the 7-8 age group after playing 54 holes across three days.
Henry continues to work with his coach, Nathan Cook. He is currently training for another global competition organised by the British Junior Golf Tour in Marbella in February, where he will play three rounds of golf alongside more than 250 junior players from Europe and the rest of the world.
His family is looking to secure sponsorship to help with the demands of elite-level junior golf, and any individual or business interested in supporting the rising star should contact Luke Atkinson at lja2003@yahoo.co.uk
