Yesterday, Ian Poulter was quite busy on Twitter, singing his praises for a 16 year old British amateur. Sam Horsfield. But it was praise well deserved as Sam shot a 10-under 61 in his first round of the Amateur Public Links qualifier! The qualifier tournament is being played at Fox Hollow Golf Club in New Port Richey, Florida. Playing 6,821 yards, Sam was able to hit every fairway enroute to his round of 61, which set a new course record!
Sam Horsfield was born in Manchester, England before moving to Florida at the age of 4. Living near Ian Poulter near Orlando, Sam is lucky enough to have gotten to know Ian and can call him his friend. Sam even beat Ian 1-up in a 9-hole match at Lake Nona Golf Club! Strokes were given of course but it’s impressive nevertheless. Ian is so impressed with Sam’s game and his round of 61 yesterday that he challenged the three top junior golfers from England to fly to Orlando and challenge Sam!
As if that was not enough endorsement for the young lad, Poults was quoted as saying “‘I first met Sam three years ago and he is without doubt the best young golfer I have ever seen. He already hits the ball as long as me and when he decides to come out on Tour he’s going to be the real deal. I would say already that if he decided now to turn pro and join the European Tour, even at the age of 16, he would be easily good enough to win enough money to keep his playing card.” Definitely no small praise from a Ryder Cup star and with other young phenoms such as Guan TianLang and Ye Wocheng of China and 9 year olds shooting 58s, the future of golf is bright!
I told you all @hr59sam is the real deal. He would embarrass every English Amateur in the world by a mile. pic.twitter.com/VpFYl3hs6s
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) June 18, 2013
Source: Golf Week
