The Zimbabwean
By Mkhululi ChimoioÂ
16 April 2013
Sports Minister David Coltart recently praised the astounding talent of United States-based teenage golfer, Sean Crocker. The 16-year-old sensation, son of former Zimbabwe Test cricketer Gary Crocker recently leaped to 34th on the American Junior Golf Associations Polo golf rankings.
“Crocker has a bright future ahead in golf,†said Coltart. “He is about to go to a US university on a sports scholarship and flies the Zimbabwean flag at all tournaments he plays in. I am very proud of his success; he is a golfer already making a huge impact and is indeed destined for greater heights. He is now 9th ranked in his division of Under-16 throughout USA.â€
Two years ago, Crocker, then in the boys’ 15-17 age division, finished second at the San Diego Junior, after rounds of 71, 70 and 67, for a gross score of 208. He finished 13th at the Junior All-Star at Robinson Ranch after rounds of 73-75-78 for his 226 and 11th at the American Junior Golf Association Junior All-Star at River Ridge after of 76 and 78.
The Zimbabwean star migrated to the USA with his family in 2002. His father owns a consulting/distributorship company that consults on golf courses, but has continued representing Zimbabwe at international tournaments.
The young star, who has also impressed legendary Zimbabwean golfer and former World Number One, Nick Price, has dominated junior tournaments on the PGA Southern California Junior Tour and already has a hole-in-one up his sleeve, after firing one on hole 3, a par 3, 153-yard hole at Temecula, California.
He also fired a five iron straight from the tee into the hole. Zimbabwean golf fans will get an up-close and personal view of Crocker when he returns home to play at the Golden Pilsner Zimbabwe Open, which tees off at the Royal Harare Golf Club today.