After becoming the only golfer to finish below par at last week's East Africa Junior Golf Rankings (EAJGR) Championships, 10-year-old Hakeem Mutungi is already looking ahead to his next challenge, with the young golfer determined to build on his impressive form at the EAJGR Super Rankings set for August 6 to 8 at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.
Fresh from lifting the Boys Under-10 title, Hakeem will return to the same course hoping to continue his remarkable rise in junior golf as he takes on another strong field in one of the region's top youth competitions.
Speaking to Radio Generation on Saturday, Hakeem's mother, Irene Mutungi, said the youngster's passion for the sport has been driven by consistency and dedication, with the 10-year-old spending at least five days every week sharpening his game.
She said Hakeem trains twice a week at Windsor Golf and Country Club, two more days at Limuru Country Club and occasionally at Sigona Golf Club, all in pursuit of improving his game.
"I want to encourage other parents to also support their children. Don’t force them to play, but be there when they need your support. The results will follow," Hakeem's mother Irene said.
“The sport has made him become a better child, a better student. It has taught him discipline, commitment, and working hard — because for golf, if you don’t play, the results will tell," the parent added.
Hakeem was the standout performer during the seventh edition of the East Africa Junior Golf Rankings July Open held last Monday at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.
The tournament marked a major milestone after welcoming international competitors for the first time, with junior golfers from Uganda joining the event.
The youngster claimed the Boys Under-10 title after posting a combined score of 143 over 36 holes to finish one-under-par, making him the only player across all categories to complete the tournament below par.
Uganda's Arianna Jenny won the Girls Under-10 title with a total score of 151.
In other categories, Alex Muraya won the Boys Under-12 title, Abigail Ayuma claimed victory in the Girls Under-14 class, Joseph Mwangi took the Boys Under-18 crown, while Kihiru Thuita emerged champion in the Boys Under-25 division.
Attention now shifts to the EAJGR Super Rankings from August 6 to 8 at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club in Nairobi, where Hakeem will have another chance to showcase his growing talent as he continues making a name for himself in junior golf at just 10 years old.