Golf
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IN TWO years Bailey Stanmore has gone from barely being able to hit a golf ball to being identified as potential professional material.
This week Bailey, 14, was presented with a Jack Newton Scholarship through the Southern Sports Academy and will spend 2015 learning and improving his game as much as he possibly can.
One of the qualifications to receive the scholarship was a handicap of less than 12 and Bailey currently plays off eight.
He also had to provide a player profile that outlines his goals in the sport.
"Hopefully, eventually to be a pro and probably off scratch by the time I'm 16," Bailey said.
"There's plenty of time.
"I've been told by a couple of the touring pros that by 16 or 17 you want to be of scratch and then they'll take a serious look at you."
Bailey has been playing golf for just two years, but has flourished under the guidance of Leeton professional Jason Mimmo.
"A couple of mates were playing and Mimmo got me into Twilight," Bailey said.
"I played a couple of comps and I am where I am now.
"When I started I can remember I couldn't even hit the ball.
"I played Twilight for a season and Mimmo started getting me into competitions.
"My handicap started getting lower and I found all the doors started opening for me. You've got to work hard at it once you get down to single figures."
He has also represented the Leeton club at the regional pennant competition.
While Bailey admires Mimmo for his support, his international idol is current world number one Rory McIlroy.
"I don't mind McIlroy," he said. (Adam) Scott's not too bad.
"If it's local, it's got to be Mimmo. All the stuff he does for me, the lessons. He's definitely the biggest influence so far, for sure."
The one-year scholarship runs from January to August and is worth $1500.
It covers all costs associated with a camp at Kangaroo Valley, travel and accommodation for the Academy Games, entry to the NSW State Age Championships in Wollongong and coaching costs associated with two training days.
The last Leeton golfer to receive a Jack Newton Scholarship was Josh Helson, the current club champion.
"It wasn't so much about the scholarship, but the things it gets you in to, the opportunity to play courses and get my name out there," Bailey said.
"Overall the goal of the program is to move forward, so it will benefit me in some way.
"It will be good when it all kicks off. You get a uniform and I'll be able to represent the region."