Sport
11 August, 2022
Trip of a lifetime for budding Kilcoy golfer
BUDDING young golfer Ryder Cochran had an overseas trip for the ages as he attended the 150th Open Championship at the prestigious Old Course at St Andrews.
To make matters even more memorable for the seven-year-old from Kilcoy, the winner was fellow Queenslander Cameron Smith, who became the first Australian to lift the Claret Jug since Greg Norman in 1993.
Ryder’s parents Jason and Julie accompanied him on the trip, with the trio attending two days of the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, followed by the last two days of the Open Championship, and then a practice day of the Senior Open at Gleneagles.
Ryder took the chance to be photographed with retired golfing legends including Ian Woosnam, Vijay Singh and Bernard Langer, in addition to current stars Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele, Padraig Harrington, Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood and world number one Scottie Scheffler.
“He wasn’t intimidated in any shape or form,” Julie said.
Ryder said he had remarked “Good chip” to Sam Burns when he walked past, and that the golfer replied “Thanks buddy”.
The opportunity to attend the major golf tournaments in Scotland came about as there was a balloted system, with the winning prize being a trip to the last two days of the 150th Open Championship.
Julie put in an application and forgot about it until a few months later when she received an email saying the application was successful.
Suddenly, Jason and Julie had a Scottish vacation to plan.
Ryder’s mum said her son strove to see the top level of golf, but was just as keen to play rather than merely watch.
Following their attendance at the major golf tournaments, Ryder played on numerous courses in Scotland including Castle Stuart Golf Links, where the Scottish Open had previously been played.
Ryder said his favourite courses included Blairgowrie, Pitlochry, and St Fillans.
“I hit a big shot over the water (at Pitlochry),” he said.
Ryder also said he enjoyed hiking, and visiting places including the Neist Point Lighthouse, Isle of Skye, the Old Mann of Storr, William Wallace Monument and Eilean Donan Castle.
Another memorable feature was Arthur’s Seat, which overlooks all of Edinburgh.
Golf, nonetheless, was the reason the vacation took place.
“He (Ryder) has had a passion for hitting a golf ball from a very young age,” Julie said.
“We haven’t pushed him into it.”
Ryder continues to have golf coaching in Kilcoy, Woodford and at Pelican Waters, and he has taken part in junior competitions at Glass House.
The next major tournament for Ryder is the New Zealand Junior Open competition in October, when he plays in the Under 8 boys division.
