Golf: Teen ace sets sights on US

Northland's Belinda May had some hands-on training with several elite professionals recently -- PGA professionals Sean Kirschenberg, left, Peter Croker and Matthew Davis, pictured with Belinda and Sherrall May.

When the success of female golfers is mentioned in New Zealand, the name Lydia Ko is sure to arise.

However, upcoming Northland golf star Belinda May could indeed quell this generic conversation piece.

After a strong performance in the recent US Kids Golf Auckland Tour, in which she won seven of the eight competitions for her age group, May, 14, now has her sights set on the US Kids Teen World Championships invitational at Pinehurst, North Carolina -- one of the world's most prestigious junior tournaments.

After swinging her way into his radar three years ago, May is "not far away from top class", says Northland resident PGA professional Matthew Davis.

"Lydia's [Ko] a once in a century occurrence -- but in terms of playing well at international level, she [May] has as much potential.

"She's got the physical ability and as much distance as anyone. For someone who has only played for three years, she's got all of that in spades.

"She's dominated in New Zealand, now she needs to go to the big pond."

In a recent trip to Northland Golf Club, Australian PGA professionals Sean Kirschenberg and Peter Croker were impressed with the young Kamo High School golfer and her successful invitation to play in the US tournament.

"Belinda is only 14 years old and displays incredible talent and is fast becoming a big name in the region. [She] is a long hitter, has a great personality and displays a great flair for the game of golf."

Kirschenberg says he was "impressed with Belinda's demeanour and ability to have fun whilst practising her golf".

"Belinda spent hours practising one day and was very fortunate to have leading Australian PGA professional Peter Croker spend time helping with [her] pre-shot routine to help improve her focus on each shot.

"The Whangarei region is very fortunate to have many other talented young boys and girls from Northland Golf Club, as well as the surrounding areas."

The US Kids Teen World Championship is set to run July 23-25, and May's mother Sherrall says she and husband Iain are determined to help their daughter realise this "once in a lifetime opportunity".