'My Golfing Story so far' by Lexi Donohue, 12 years of age and member of Canterbury and Faversham Golf Clubs.
"I first started playing golf when I was around the age of 4. At first, I was just going to the driving range with dad for a bit of fun. Shortly after, I decided I really liked playing golf.
I then started going to Etchinghill GC to see Sophie and when I was 5, I joined Faversham GC. That is where I met Paul and Jo from the office and Barry, the Junior Organiser. I also met Stewart, the Pro and, as well as that, I met the best bar staff ever, Jo and Alice.
Over the years I have made so many good friends. And when I first joined Faversham, I was the youngest girl member and felt very at home there. Over the years I have received a lot of coaching, including Stewart's one-to-ones.
I then did the Girls Golf Rocks with Greg and his magic tricks.
I currently have lessons with Enzo at Canterbury GC and Mark Trow at Kings Hill GC.
After a while, I started trying to get my handicap. In the meantime, I was playing competitions which were mainly over 6 holes and for the past 3 years I have competed in the Old Cock Pheasants v the Juniors. I have also competed in the Wee Wonders where I successfully made it to the Final which took place in Scotland. I also enjoy my occasional games with Carol and Patsy on Sundays.
Unfortunately, COVID hit.
When everything was back up and running, I started playing in the Kent competitions and I have enjoyed every second of it. Last year, I joined Canterbury and have been very well looked after by Elizabeth, the Junior Organiser. I have made so many good friends including Louise who I shall be playing with in the Lohan Trophy. I also have enjoyed playing (well, competing) for a chocolate bar with Christina from Canterbury or Max from Faversham.
For a few years now I have been having lessons with Mark Trow, which includes my weekly Saturday group lessons, the Sunday Kent Academy and my monthly one-to-ones. Without the help of Mark, Enzo and Chris I would not have gone from handicap 48 last year to 20.1 this year.
I was recently invited by Cheryl to join the Kent Junior Girls "˜A' Squad which I am very excited about.
On a Friday I go to group lessons with Enzo. Last year I was also selected for the match between Tudor Park and Kings Hill (I played for Kings Hill). I may have lost my match, but it was still a fun experience. I had one of my friends, Isla, from Growing Golf playing with me who made it a very enjoyable round.
I hope to play even more golf this year including Kent competitions and some Kent Junior Girls matches against some of our Kent clubs which should be fun.
I am really pleased I found golf - thanks Dad and watch this space!"
Thank you for sending your golfing story to us Lexi, it just goes to show what a social game golf is and how many friends we make along the way! Good luck with your golf in this coming season!