Golfing prodigy Brayden Mazey controlled his nerves and swung his way into the record books in winning the annual Wairarapa Men's Shootout final in Carterton this week. Playing on his home course, the 11-year-old fought off 18 contenders from Carterton, Martinborough and Mahunga to become the youngest winner of the BobThompson Trophy in its 15-year history. A feat even more remarkable given Mazey, who plays off a 19 handicap, gave up 15 years to his nearest rival and was competing against several golfers on single-digit handicaps. Though few would have questioned his credentials after he chipped in from the bunker for par on the 13th hole. The quietly spoken youngster said he knew the championship would be "pretty tough" but was confident he had a shot at taking the title. As for keeping his nerves in intact as contenders dropped off one by one around him, he said he just "didn't think about it too much". Carterton Golf Club manager Matt Casey said for Mazey to win the final, having only picked up a golf club 15 months ago, was a huge achievement in anyone's terms. "To win a district tournament at this age is amazing. I'd defy anyone to find someone who'd done it anywhere else," he said. "There's no doubt the potential is there and if he maintains the motivation and drive he could (go) a long way." The Shootout final consists of 19 players, who qualified through their respective clubs, teeing off together. The golfer with the worst net score on each hole, with regard to their handicap, is eliminated until the final two emerge on the 18th green.
