In the latest TeeMates Tour Tales Q&A, GolfWA caught up with nine-year-old Nedlands Golf Club member Paloma Smith.
Paloma got into golf at the age of four, starting out in junior girls’ golf clinics at Wembley Golf Course under the tutelage of PGA professional Claire Elvidge.
Within a couple of years, Paloma started playing on GolfWA’s Junior Tour. She is now a regular participant in the Fuel to Go & Play TeeMates Tour, competing in the Modified Stroke category after graduating through the 5 and 9-Hole Tiger Tees divisions.
Paloma is also a participant in the Australian Golf Foundation’s Junior Girls Scholarship Program at Wembley GC and hopes someday to become a professional golfer on the LPGA Tour.
Paloma, what do you enjoy most about playing golf?
I enjoy golf because it is very challenging, but when you hit a great shot or make a long putt, you feel great! It’s interesting because it takes good technique to play well which isn’t always easy. Also, I enjoy golf because you are trying to make the lowest score and not the highest (unlike in other sports).
And what do you most enjoy about playing on the Fuel to Go & Play TeeMates Tour?
I enjoy the TeeMates Tour because I have made a lot of friends and I am always excited to see who I get grouped with for the next event. I also love playing with my friends back in the clubhouse at the end of each event and waiting to cheer on the winners.
What are your best experiences in golf so far?
One of my best experiences was recently taking part in a hole-in-one competition at Wembley Golf Course. There was a large crowd watching including my favourite golfer, Hannah Green! I was very nervous but was able to hit a great shot close to the hole. It didn’t go in, but everyone clapped and cheered.
And the second one was winning the School Sport WA Modified Stroke Championship for my school with my friend Aria. I feel so lucky to have another great golfer in my school to play with.
Paloma in action at the Perron Institute Hole-in-One Day at Wembley GC
“I enjoy the TeeMates Tour because I have made a lot of friends and I am always excited to see who I get grouped with.”
What are your ambitions in golf in the long-term?
I want to play in the LPGA and travel the world playing golf. I went to Evian in France on holiday with my family and I would love to go back one day to win the championship there.
Why would you recommend other children give golf a try if they haven’t already done so?
It’s a fun game and you can always get better. If you have never played, give it a go and remember it is a hard sport, so it’s OK if you are not good when you first start.
How do you ensure you’re fuelled up on course to play your best golf?
I like to have an apple and muesli bar in my golf bag. It gives me all the energy I need.
If you’re keen to get your kids into competitive golf in a fun and welcoming environment, the Fuel to Go & Play TeeMates Tour is the idea starting point. Find out more here.
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