Emma Parson Finishes First in Tournament In 15-18-Year-Old Division, Credits Swing Coach for Improvement
(DURHAM, N.C.) – Emma Parson, a student of Patrick Kelley, Old Chatham Golf Club PGA instructor, placed first in the girls 15- to 18-year-old division at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Major Championship, the tour’s only major championship in North Carolina, held Oct. 18-19 at Larkin Golf Club in Statesville, North Carolina.
Parson, a 16-year-old junior golfer at Old Chatham, the top-ranked golf course in North Carolina’s Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill Triangle area, won the tournament in dramatic fashion. Tied for first place after 18 holes on the first day of competition, she returned to the links the next day determined to pull away. With the help of her caddy, Old Chatham’s own Brian Fitch, Parson lit up the final eight holes to improve to 2 under par. When on the 18th hole her once-trailing opponent pulled even by sinking a 30-foot putt, she completed a 15-foot putt to take the lead and win it all. Parson credits Kelley for helping make her win possible. Since April, the two have worked together to improve her chipping and putting skills.
“Patrick and I have really focused on my short game,” said Parson. “And we’ve worked a lot on my mental toughness so that I don’t get frustrated in a tight game or after a bad hole.”
Kelley works with clients of all ages and skill levels, including beginners and American Junior Golf Association and Professional Golf Association (PGA) players, to improve their game. In addition to Parson, his professional clients include Brad Fritsch, David Mathis, Andrew Putnam, Michael Putnam and Justin Walters, who have won a combined eight PGA tournaments.
“I’m proud of Emma for staying calm and finishing the game like we’ve practiced,” said Kelley. “As a junior golfer, she exudes the values of the game – hard work, patience and sportsmanship. I’m excited to help her continue to grow and develop.”
For more information, visit www.oldchathamgolf.org.
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