ATHABASCA - Two teenagers from Athabasca are rapidly catching the eyes of Alberta golf spectators as each individual has put together first-place finishes in tournaments around Alberta.
Sixteen-year-olds Taiwo Oba and Jaxon Saunders have participated in a variety of tournaments across Alberta looking to make a good impression on their golf portfolio. In only their second year of golf, the boys shot a 4-under-par-68 and took home gold when the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour did a stop in Olds on July 21.
For Taiwo, the biggest moment of the tournament was hitting a 174-yard drive hole-in-one.
“During the best ball, we walked up to this par 3. I hit my shot. I didn’t think it was too good and then everyone was like ‘Oh no that’s a really good shot,’ said Taiwo. “It took one bounce and went in the hole and everyone was freaking out. I didn’t know how to act, I was just shocked.”
Taiwo has participated in a plethora of other tournaments this year that he secured a few medals in. He got third in the McLennan Ross Grande Prairie tournament, and second in Barrhead. With how well Taiwo has been doing, he has been invited to the Alberta U-17 Championships, which will take place from Aug. 18 to 20 in Red Deer.
“Mostly just staying consistent and not getting too upset about bad shots is the really big thing,” Oba said. “Just staying focused and thinking about the next shot more than what shot you just hit.”
Taiwo’s friend Jaxon, who is known for his good putting skills, has also put together a successful golfing year. He’s attended many tournaments this season including in Edmonton and Victoria with his best placement coming with Taiwo in Olds in the best-ball-style game.
“When I picked it up the first year, I just kept playing, kind of fell in love with getting better and better and then playing so much until I did see improvement,” said Jaxon. “You can play with yourself or with friends or family, and your outside and outdoors and it’s just quiet.
Out of the two friends, Taiwo will not be the only one headed to the Alberta U-17 Championships. Jaxon has also been invited to the tournament, which will be held in Red Deer.
“I’d just like to thank my dad for getting me into it and paying for all my golf tournaments. Showing me how to golf and bringing me into the sport,” Jaxon said.
