Silvia in top 20 despite hand injury

6-year-old prodigy Silvia Brunotti was hit by a golf ball one hour before a top golfing tournament. Photo / Dean Purcell

With her hand throbbing and a dark bruise slowly forming on the spot where a stray golf ball hit her, Silvia Brunotti begins to cry.

Not so much from the pain, however, but because she is about an hour away from continuing play in one of the top international golfing tournaments for youngsters, the US Kids Golf World Championship.

The North Shore 6-year-old - widely regarded as one of New Zealand's prodigies in the game - has just returned from competing in four top tournaments in America.

She gained first place at the TaylorMade World Masters of Junior Golf Championships in Las Vegas.

She came second at the San Diego Junior Masters competition, second also at the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships and 14th at the US Kids Championship.

The latter result would have been better if not for a freak accident that left Silvia playing on with an injury, her father, Claudio Brunotti, says.

"One hour before tee time, Sylvia was playing at the chipping area when a flying golf ball shot from far away [and] landed with high speed on her right hand. She was shocked and the pain was so strong she [couldn't] hold the club," Mr Brunotti said.

"She was crying, but kept saying: 'I want to play.' We only had an hour, so I went to the doctor and got some painkillers. You really must love the sport to do that."

Silvia - who was in fourth place during the first round - lost her top position as a result of the injury.

She managed to finish the last nine holes with a score of 46, ultimately finishing the tournament in 14th place.

Her father said the fact that she still finished in the top 20 with an injury was testament to his little girl's will and spirit for the game she loves. "She's amazing, just an amazing little girl."

Mr Brunotti said they were already on the golf grounds practising for another go at the competition next year - having returned last week - when she will aim to be in the top 10.