MORGAN HILL -- At age 3, Austin Murphy was swinging his first golf club. At age 6, he carded his first birdie. Two years later, he beat Bernie Murphy, his father.
It would be an understatement to say golf has come naturally to young Austin, 9, who in September wrapped up his second season in the Junior Golf Association of North California -- a USGA-governed tour -- with a second-place finish in last month's JGANC All-Star Invitational at Santa Teresa Golf Club. The players who attended were among the best in Northern California.
"That was a lot of fun," said Austin, whose 18-hole career best score is 2-under-par 70. "I always wanted to play in the JGANC. I want to win the all-star tournament next time."
The Morgan Hill product has six JGANC tournament championship under his belt and is already mulling a prosperous career.
"My goal is to be in the PGA Tour," Austin said. "I also want to win the Masters. It's one of the most important tournaments, and I love those green jackets."
Austin isn't leaving his lofty goals to chance. The Valley Christian Elementary fourth-grader said he practices two to three hours a day; four days a week during the school year and seven in summer.
"He loves playing golf," Bernie said. "It's all he can talk about. It's unbelievable, seeing his dedication at that age. He'll be beating me regularly soon."
Austin made big strides during his first year in JGANC while competing with the best and oldest kids in the 7-9 age group. This season, Austin finished in the top two in half of his tournaments.
"It's taken a lot of hard work," he said. "I just want to get better."
Scott J. Adams Scott J. Adams covers Morgan Hill sports for South Valley Newspapers. Send him an email or call him at 779-4106.
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