A thirteen-year old is student is rapidly rising through the golfing ranks after winning the Garry ‘Mac’ Memorial Golf Day. Harvey Olney, a Year 9 student at Richmond School and Sixth Form College, was crowned the champion, having competed against forty two adults and one other junior player.
The event was a team and individual event, with eleven teams taking part. Facing stiff competition, Harvey won the highest individual score in the tournament, shooting a nett 65 which is a brilliant round of golf.
Now in its fourth year, The Garry Mac Memorial Golf day is a charity event in memory of Gary ‘Mac’, a firefighter who died of cancer. Hosted at Richmond Golf Club, and now in its fourth year, the competition was in aid of Layla’s Little Legends which supports children affected by Neurofibromatosis and Cancer.
Harvey has been playing golf since he was three. A member of Richmond and Catterick Golf Clubs, he plays twice a week and competes in events across the north east. He achieved his handicap last year and is already down to 28, slashing his handicap by six shots in five months and is expected to carry on this trend into next season and beyond.
David Olney, Harvey’s Dad said: “Harvey got his handicap last year and is improving at a fast rate. He even beat me in the Garry ‘Mac’ competition so I will need to ask him for some tips!”
This is the third adult competition that Harvey has won in the last twelve months and his winning streak shows no sign of abating. As well as his own individual success, Harvey has been a massive team player for Richmond Juniors in their first year competing in the Golf Foundation’s Golf Sixes Scheme, when he helped contribute to the team’s success, finishing second in the North Yorkshire league.
Daniel Hood, PGA Golf Professional and Harvey’s coach at Richmond Golf Club, commented: Harvey joined Richmond Golf Club in April 2019 and immediately struck me as a player with massive potential. Harvey has shown not only great performances but key life skills and a willingness to encourage others in our group coaching sessions. He is a real team player in a sport that is solely individual. With his dedication and commitment I would certainly say there is a career in golf for him. Keep up the good work Harvey.”
Tony Potter, Leader of Sport, Leisure and Community at Richmond School, concluded: “Harvey is showing great independence and resilience in his quest to continually improve his game. His progress is astounding. Competing and winning adult competitions at such an early age demonstrates his dedication and skill.”