10-Year-Old Holmdel Girl Becomes Local Golf Champion

There are a lot of adults who enjoy golf tournaments but will never get the chance to play at one of the most famous golf courses in the world.

But 10-year-old Sophia Taverna of Holmdel may be on her way to Augusta National next year. 

Taverna began golfing at a very young age, and she doesn't plan to stop anytime soon.

"Ever since I could remember, I was hitting wiffle balls on an old rug in my house. But when I really started playing golf on a golf course, I was about 4," Taverna said. "I really enjoy golf because when you play, the deer, the foxes, the bunny rabbits, and the other beautiful wild animals start to watch you."

Taverna won the local qualifier at Neshanic Valley in June, and advanced to the regional qualifier at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY. The winner will compete in the championship at Augusta.

Taverna is a part of the U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour and will compete in the 2013 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship this year, for three rounds at 18 holes each. 

"My proudest accomplishment in golf was the year I placed 8th at the US Kids Golf World Championship," Taverna said. "I’m very excited to be going to the upcoming World Championship this year."

Taverna has also been named the NJ Player of the Year three times and says putting is her best skill.

This young golf star said her dream is to be a pop singer, but that doesn't mean she'll be giving up golf anytime soon.

"My dream is to be a pop singer, but I do want to become an accomplished golfer. I’m interested in playing college golf, but not sure if I want to be a professional."

You can find Sophia on YouTube, both golfing and singing, and sometimes doing both. 

For now, Taverna is looking forward to 6th grade at Indian Hill School, and continuing to bond with her family on the course.

"We have worked out many issues through golf. We work together as a team in practice and tournaments."