Cricket legend Ian Botham’s grandson said he felt “proud” after placing second in the world junior golf championship while representing his Co Down school.
It comes as Benji Botham secured a silver medal after competing in the three-day international competition in Spain representing Northern Ireland in the 8-9-year-old category.
The competition is the largest junior international event of its kind for the sport with its groupings ranging from under-7s up to the 17-18 category.
Benji – who attends Rockport School outside Holywood – went up against 30 of the top golfers in his age group from around the world placing behind Elijah Gibbons from the UK.
Northern Ireland’s Hugh Dalzell also competed in Benji’s category finishing in 18th place.
Benji Botham
Benji said he felt slightly “disappointed” with his performance on the first day but was “quite impressed” with his golfing as the competition went on.
He said: “I feel proud but at the same time I feel a little bit disappointed with my performance on the first day. I wanted to win obviously but I think the first day really let me down overall because I had a five putt and that really put me down.”
“I was quite impressed with my golf on the second day,” he added.
In order to acclimate to the drier conditions, the nine-year-old travelled to Desert Springs in Spain a week prior to practice playing on the tougher terrain.
Joining the Rockport student in the competition was his brother Harley who played in the under-sevens category.
Their father, ex-England cricketer and rugby player Liam Botham, said he was equally “proud” of both his sons.
The former England rugby under-21 player added that Benji had a “pretty special” performance on the tournament’s final day and performs great when he “gets the opportunity to shine in front of people”.
Benji secured silver in the tournament
“I’m proud of all family,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“At the end of the day it’s not what they’re doing now. This is all part of their development and learning. It’s what they’re doing in 10 years’ time. That’s the main thing for us.
“I’m immensely proud of how he fought, especially in the last three holes. While everybody else was falling away Benji came through.
“As long as he’s learned from it, which he’s done. And then for him to do what he did in those last three holes to go par, par, par was pretty special. He’s got a great [determination] whenever he gets the opportunity to shine in front of people – he loves that.”
Left to right: Benji; Ian; Harley and Liam
Benji has been a student at Rockport for over three years, taking advantage of the school’s on-site golf academy and coaching with PGA golf professional Debbie Hanna.
The nine-year-old said he trains six days a week and likes to take Mondays off to play football, walk the dogs or enjoy go-karting.
Rockport school paid tribute to both Botham boys, saying: “Everyone at Rockport School is so proud of the efforts of both Benji and Harley and we are committed to supporting them in every way we can as they continue their bid to be the golfing stars of the future.”