Young golfer’s California dream

Round & About

Young Petersfield golfer Archie Hargreaves has booked his spot at the Junior World Championships in California after winning at The Belfry

Nine-year-old Archie Hargreaves will be hoping to tee up the spirit of his golfing hero Rory McIlroy when he plays in the Junior World Championships next summer. 

The rising star from Petersfield Golf Club realised a two year-long dream by winning the 9-hole Faldo Futures Championship in the 7–8 age group. His victory has earned him a place at the tournament which boasts some legendary past champions including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. 

Archie’s journey to victory began in April coming through the first round of competition at his home club, going on to win the Regional Final thus booking his place in the National Final, held during the British Masters tournament at The Belfry. Archie marked the occasion not with the traditional champagne, but with a well-earned ice cream. 

The youngster whose handicap is 19.7 was presented with his trophy by Sir Nick Faldo himself, who praised the young golfer’s performance.  

A pupil at Liss Junior School, Archie first picked up a golf club, a junior 9-iron at the age of five. He quickly fell in love with the sport and joined the Op 36 coaching programme at Petersfield GC, where both his father, James and grandfather, Simon, pictured above, play.  

Proud dad James said: “His touch and confidence around the green is very impressive but above all, Archie has incredible composure under pressure. He really delivers when it matters, and The Belfry was a perfect example, it’s a very tough course, played against the best juniors in Great Britain and Ireland.” 

Donovan Hall, Archie’s Op 36 coach at Petersfield GC, added: “The whole club is thrilled for Archie. We had so much fun tracking his score live during the Final on the Faldo Futures leaderboard.”  To celebrate his achievement, Junior Organiser Chris Dowty had a Petersfield GC polo shirt specially embroidered with: ‘Junior Champion – Faldo Futures 2025’. 

Archie met his golfing hero McIlroy at a Pro-Am event at Wentworth after making a giant sign to catch Rory’s attention. “Rory asked to see my swing and he said it was good,” said Archie. “Then I quickly pulled out my pen and got his autograph too!” 

With natural talent, determination, and a growing trophy collection, Archie may soon be following in his idol’s footsteps – chipping into washing machines for fun and winning on the world stage. A future Ryder Cup hero? Maybe.