Mark down Northland golfer Julian Fowler's name as one to watch for the future.
The 14-year-old has just returned from competing at the Callaway World Junior Golf Championships in San Diego and while he didn't set the tournament alight - he's processed the experience in his own unique way.
"Itwas definitely a great experience and you couldn't help but get a big confidence boost from being around the kind of quality players that were there," he said.
"Some of them hit the ball dead straight every time - that was a bit scary really but I learned a lot."
Fowler's 13 and 14-year-old division was won by the almost freakish talent of Philippino golfer Kristoffer Aravalo, who shot a second round 66 to lead the field by three shots with a total of 204.
The Northland Club golfer started well enough with a two-over 73 but said he "lost his nerve a little" to follow up with rounds of 77 and 78, finishing 102nd in a field of 180-odd.
It is Fowler's second international golfing trip this year after he was part of the Whangarei Boys' High School team that won the World School's Golf Challenge in Thailand.
His coach Quentin Diment said that Fowler's work ethic will be useful in his golfing career.
"Unlike some of the other young guys, Julian just gets stuck in and works really hard. He doesn't waste his time and is very focussed for his age," Diment said.
Fowler has a solid all-round game and Diment thinks he may reach a level which could allow him to realise his dream of turning professional.
"The signs are all there, he's a good thinker and he has great composure for a 14-year-old," he said.
"What's more he's a little different from your average teenager, he's very respectful and he'll make a great ambassador for his province and his country."
It was composure that earned him the trip as he won a playoff on the second hole in Palmerston North after finishing the qualifying tournament in a three-way tie for the lead.
Fowler said he will continue to work on improving his game before his next challenge - the New Zealand U19 Championship in Christchurch next month.
