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The Drive to Succeed This junior golfer is exceeding all expectations by Sara Coleman photography by Ken Noblezada
Anthony Ovitsky practices his golf swing and putting for hours daily at The Peninsula Club. His tournament schedule is set ahead of time. His golf coach is by his side and helps plot his next moves in golf. He has multiple tournament wins under his belt, including records for lowest score in a tournament. Is this a golfer trying to qualify for the PGA Tour or cut his teeth on the Korn Ferry circuit? No, not even close. He’s a 7-year-old junior golfer. He also happens to be the winner of the 2020 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship for his age group. Essentially, Anthony is the best 7-year old golfer in the world—and he lives right here in Lake Norman. Anthony may be 7 now, but his golf “career” started when he was barely walking. His dad Troy described Anthony’s start in golf as hitting pinecones in the backyard with a stick. Then he upgraded to the plastic $4.99 golf set and began making consistent contact with a plastic ball. By the ripe age of 3, Anthony graduated to a real set of golf clubs, and caught the eye of his current golf instructor, Linda Campbell. By the age of 4, Anthony was playing in the interclub tournaments through The Peninsula Club and could hold his own with the 7 and 8-year-old kids he was competing against. It was clear he had a special talent. But how far would it take him at such a young age?
Top: Seven-year-old Anthony Ovitsky practices golf daily at The Peninsula Club. Bottom: Celebrating his win at the 2020 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship.
Turns out, it’s taken him as far as any junior golfer could dream of going. Junior golfers from across the United States and world had to earn a spot to compete in the World Championship this past summer. Many children came, only to crack under the intense pressure. But for Anthony, it was clear he was able to thrive in the environment He turned in a scorecard with a 35-34-34 for 9 holes each day of the tournament and came home with the title as one of the best junior golfers in the world. Anthony trains daily, whether it’s practicing at the club or exercising at Champions Sports Performance. He has the determination most adults don’t even have. At the age of 7, it’s hard to know how far Anthony will take his love for golf. But one thing is certain, we have a world-class winner right here in Lake Norman.
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | OCTOBER 2020