James Hearne Jnr, 2, has made history at Worthing Golf Club as it marks its 120th anniversary year.
His father, James Snr, thinks he could be the youngest member of any golf club in the UK, with many golfing stars joining far later – pro golfer Rory Mcllroy didn’t become a member of a club until the age of seven.
While most toddlers are learning to balance blocks or push toy cars, James is already adept at using a miniature putter sized for a four-year-old—displaying skill and coordination which his teacher, Peter Taver Jones, describes as “astounding”.
His family say that James, who has playing since the age of one, has been “captivated by the game since he could walk”.
He first came into the contact with the sport when his maternal grandfather, a keen player, began taking him down to the putting green.
“One day we were round my in-laws and they had the golf on the telly,” James Snr said.
“He was immediately drawn to the TV and started to mirror the swing of the golfers.
“When you give him a cricket bat he can swing, he can catch and can turn round and throw a basketball in a hop. He has really good hand-eye-coordination – it’s ridiculous.”
James Hearne Jnr with his father, James (Image: Supplied)
In a twist that could prove to be a good omen, James shares his birthday, March 14, with another child prodigy – Albert Einstein.
James’ precociousness is particularly special for James Snr and his wife, Tammy, who were told they couldn’t have children and welcomed James after IVF.
While no one is predicting world championships just yet, Worthing’s seasoned members can’t resist but draw comparisons to golfing legends whose first steps on the fairway started early.
Tiger Woods famously appeared on American television aged two, demonstrating his putting stroke and Rory McIlroy was driving balls 40 yards by the age of three.
“Initially, my wife and I thought his ability was normal,” James Snr said.
“But then every time someone would see him, they would say – ‘wow’.
“With kids now everything is with an iPad or a phone – but I’d like to keep him away from that for as long as possible.”