By SEAN MARTIN
Assistant EditorKISSIMMEE, Fla. – Oscar Sharpe walked up the 18th hole of ChampionsGate Resort’s links-style International Course, eventually tapping in for birdie on a green encircled by grandstands, flags from several countries blowing in a breeze.
It was reminiscent of a champion’s walk at the British Open, though this was just another junior tournament and the boy was pushing his trolley, not followed by a caddie. The grandstands weren't filled with fans, but set up in preparation for the Del Webb Father-Son Challenge the following week.
But if you believe England's golfing royalty, the 15-year-old from Cheltenham may make that walk at Carnoustie or St. Andrews one day.
“Becoming the best in the world has been mentioned and there’s no
reason for Oscar not to set his sights on that,” said Peter McEvoy, a
former British Amateur champion and Great Britain & Ireland Walker
Cupper. “I don’t think any player of his age has ever been better than
Oscar is now and I would include Nick Faldo in that.”
Sharpe moved to the States in September to attend the IMG/David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Bradenton, Fla., citing “golf and weather” for the reasons behind the move. He admits it’s hard to live across an ocean from his friends and family, but sacrifices have to be made to become No. 1 in the world, a title that’s been used in the same sentence as Sharpe.
“The weather at this time of year (in England) is dreadful,” Sharpe said. “There wasn’t any (hesitation about moving).
Sharpe first got attention when he won England’s under-13, -14, -15 and -16 titles in 2006 as a 13-year-old. Justin Rose won England’s U-16 title, also called the McGregor Trophy, at 14.
Last year, Sharpe became the youngest champion in the 83-year history of the Ashton Vase, a men’s tournament.
His results in the U.S. have been mixed.
Sharpe won his first two starts on the FCWT, but placed 19th, 12th and 13th in his next three events. He was ill at the first event – the FCWT ChampionsGate Invitational – and hurt by opening-round 80s in the next two.
Regardless, Sharpe has “a nice swagger about him,” said two-time AJGA player of the year Peter Uihlein.
Sharpe’s countrymen are confident in his ability, as well. Betting houses are accepting propositions that Sharpe will win the British Open within the next 10 years. Some journalists have predicted Sharpe will represent Great Britain & Ireland at next year’s Walker Cup; he would be three weeks older than the youngest participant in the competition’s history, GB&I’s Oliver Fisher, who was 16 in 2005.
Sharpe measures in at just 5-foot-7 and 124 pounds, and hits his driver 265 yards. He hits the gym four times a week in an effort to add weight and distance, which will only help him against older competition.
He is on England’s under-18 national team, and will spend the summer representing his country instead of playing junior tournaments in the U.S. Attending college in the United States is still a possiblity, though.
“I’m young, we’ve got a long way to go,” Sharpe said. “I’m not sure (about turning pro out of high school). I’ve got to wait and see, but I think college is definitely in the situation at the minute.”
• • •
Sean Martin is a
Golfweek assistant editor. To reach him email
smartin@golfweek.com.
Posted: 1/18/2008
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