For the third consecutive year, Liberty golfer Jagger Jiles, age 9, will play in the United States Kids World Championship, which will take place beginning Thursday and ending Saturday in Pinehurst, N.C.
Jiles qualified for this year’s event last fall by placing in the top five in the 9-year-old division. He said he was very happy when he knew he had qualified for the big tournament for a third straight time.
“I was very excited when I knew that I qualified for this year’s World Championship last fall,” Jiles said. “It’s an awesome feeling to be a part of the largest golf competition in the world for junior golfers.”
When Jiles knew he had qualified last fall, he didn’t have to feel the pressure of needing to play well enough this spring since he knew he’d be going to Pinehurst this week.
“Qualifying for the championship in the fall relieved some pressure going into the spring season because the first invitations to the championship get sent out in March,” the 9-year-old golfer said. “It was nice to know that my spot was secure early on, and I didn’t have to wait.”
Since this will be Jiles’ third straight year to play in this event, he believes he’s better prepared to do well this week.
“Even though this will be my third year competing in the World Championship, the nerves are still there,” he said. “I will be playing on a whole new course that I have never seen this year. Instead of playing nine holes each day, I will be playing 18 holes. Last year, I struggled with hitting my driver straight. I feel more confident this year heading into the competition because I’ve worked all year learning how to hit a straight drive.”
The obvious goal is to win the 9-year-old division championship, but there are some secondary goals Jiles would like to achieve this week.
“It’s always my goal to win, but I would really love to shoot par or under par each day and be more consistent,” the Liberty golfer said.
Jiles said that playing in this tournament only will make him become an even better golfer down the line.
“Getting to play against the best 9-yearold golfers from all over the world always makes me want to improve my golf skills,” Jiles said. “Playing at Pinehurst (where major Professional Golf Association competitions like the United States Open is played) makes me want to play there as a professional in the future.”
Needless to say, Pinehurst is a one-ofa- kind location that is unforgettable. Jiles also is looking forward to meeting new friends and family while playing in the prestigious three-day event.
“My favorite thing about Pinehurst is going to Thistle Dhu (an 18-hole putting course that covers two acres), and playing with new friends and family,” Jiles said. “We have so much fun and make the best memories.”
