Scott shows skills in youth golf tour

Kade Scott may only be 11-years-old, but he has a golf game which is the envy of many players three, four or five times his age.

"It's fun," Kade said of the sport. "I enjoy the challenge."

The difficult game of golf is easier for the gifted youngster than it is for many others who pick up a set of clubs. Last year, Kade achieved one of the most difficult sports highlights of all, sinking a hole-in-one while out with his family at the Sugar Creek Country Club in Piggott.

Now, the youngster is playing against other phenoms in the Arkansas PGA Junior Tour. The tour, which brings together the state's top golfers ages nine through 17, allows the best young players in each region the opportunity to play against each other in competitive age brackets.

Kade, who plays in the nine to 11-year-old division, has been successful in the tour, finishing second at the Paragould Country Club last Thursday and winning the event at the Blytheville Country Club on Tuesday. Kade shot a 38 through nine holes at Paragould, falling just one shy of the lead, while firing a 43 at Blytheville.

The tour is played very similar to the adult PGA. No contact with the players is allowed once the event begins. The players in the 9-11 division are allowed to use a wheeled carrier for their clubs, but no carts. Parents and supporters are restricted to remaining on the cart path.

While the competition is tough, the challenge just adds to the experience, according to Kade, who says that while he's going up against top players his age, he feels he has earned his place in the elite.

The tour is great practice for Kade, as he hopes to one day be a professional golfer.

"I think it would be great," Kade said of joining the pros. "I'd love it."

If he does become a successful pro, Kade said he would like to have his own signature brand of clubs. Based upon his current status, such a goal doesn't appear to be out of the young man's reach.

His parents are supportive of the dream.

"If that's what he wants to be, then we'll do whatever we can to help," Kade's father, Mike, said. "There's no point in holding him back. He's worked hard to get to where he is right now."

Kade says he is looking forward to the rest of the tour. The final event will be at Ridgepointe in Jonesboro on July 9. After that, he's slated to take part in tournaments at Mountain Home and Harrison.

The skilled youngster credits God with his ability to play golf at such a high level.

Still, Kade has put in a lot of time on his own to hone his abilities.

"He's had a club in hand just about every day," Penny, his mother, said. "He's out in the yard practicing all the time. We go to the course about two or three times a week."

Kade has sage advice for other young players who may be interested in taking up golf or any other activity.

"Just try hard in whatever you do. Don't give up. The challenge is what makes you better."