A NINE-year-old Greenbank golfer has competed in his first Australian championship at the Gold Coast.
Khai Sharp competed in the four day Australian Junior Age Division Golf Championships at the Gold Coast Royal Pines last week.
Competitors had a chance to qualify for the AJADGC Australia team to compete at two world junior events in America.
The event was exclusively for golfers between the age of four and 18.
Competitors came from all parts of the world including New Zealand, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Philippines, Thailand and India.
While Sharp did not win his age division he secured some solid achievements, including finishing one of his holes in four strokes.
"I reckon I did pretty good," he said.
"I need to work on my putting but I have improved it."
Sharp said he learnt a mindfulness exercise from Greenbank State School which helped keep his nerves under control throughout the championship.
Khai is hoping to be a serious contender in future competitions so he can compete in golf championships overseas.
He was inspired to swing the golf club 18 months ago by his grandfather Graham Pertzel who plays in amputee golf tournaments.
Khai's mother Jamei-Ann Pertzel said her son has come a long way over the past 18 months and was working on improving his stamina and consistency.
"Towards the end of the year he is looking at achieving his handicap," she said.
Khai trains at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club with PGA Professional John Collins.
He also lives on an acreage property allowing him to train at home.
Khai will compete at the Brookwater tournament in May and a 2020 state championship at the Gold Coast in March 2020.