Boy who taught himself golf chases next world title

A 10-year-old junior golf champion from Kent is targeting another world title this weekend - but has still never had a coach.

Elijah Gibbons, from Sandwich, started swinging a golf club at the age of two and is now one of the best young talents in the sport.

In 2023, he won the under-seven's World Junior Golf Championships in Portugal and earlier this year won the Daily Mail World Junior Golf Championships in Spain.

Vying to win the Under Armour World Championships in Florida this weekend, Elijah said: "I honestly don't think I need coaching. I just stick to my swing and see what happens."

Elijah began practicing golf in his parents garden but now practices regularly at Prince Golf Club in Sandwich.

His mum, Charlotte Gibbons, said: "He was in nappies,. He loved his practice club. He wouldn't go to bed, he'd still want to be out there."

Sam Gibbons, Elijah's dad, then took him to his first competition, saying: "He wanted to play in competitions at the age of five, he joined the British junior tour, he's now a two time world champion."

Elijah looks up to stars like Tiger Woods, saying: "I dream about winning the Masters and dream about facing Tiger in the final, then I wake up and I realise it didn't happen.

"But maybe one day, it should happen."

The family have a motorhome they use to travel around the world with Elijah.

Charlotte added: "He loves golf, but we want him to see the world too, jumping in lakes, riding his bike. He loves playing golf, but I don't want it to become something he has to do."

Once the Under Armour World Championships are complete, Elijah will play in the US Kids World Championships.

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