Niklas Zierik won the first golf tournament he ever entered – a Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) Mini Tour event last summer.
Then, at the first of seven MJT Mini Tour events this season, the 10-year old Collingwood resident was moved up to the U12 division (he turns 11 in July). Despite playing with older golfers, he won in wet conditions with a score of 65 at Merry-Hill Golf Club in Breslau, May 5.
"In a dazzling display of skill, 10 year-old Niklas Zierik from Collingwood, demonstrated his extraordinary talent by finishing an impressive six-under par, laying claim to both the MJT Boys 11-12 title and the coveted low overall score," stated a press release from MJT.
The May 5 event was also a qualifier for the IMG Academy Junior World Championships in San Diego, CA, July 6 to 11. Niklas is currently on a shortlist for qualification.
"That's a waiting game until all the qualifiers are over," said Niklas' mother Kelly.
So how did Zierik get so good at golf at such a young age?
"I started playing when I was four. Just the Par 3 course," said Niklas.
Niklas has never had a lesson. He always plays with his father and coach Martin Zierik, who has a competitive spirit. He played with the Collingwood Blues hockey team in the late 1990s.
Last summer, Niklas and Martin logged 160 rounds of golf. They travel to whatever golf course opens first and closes last to extend the season but Batteaux Creek Golf Club is their home course. They play four rounds every weekend and again on some weeknights after school and work.
"We always go play and from all the playing he's picked it up. I built him a putting green in the backyard," said Martin.
In the winter, Niklas and Martin practise indoors with a golf simulator. Niklas watches golf on YouTube. His favourite golfer is Tyrell Hatton, of England.
Niklas, who has sparkling eyes, and a dimpled smile, is relaxed but aware of everything around him. He has to be. Niklas has had Type 1 diabetes since he was five. He wears an glucose monitor and the technology sends information to his parents' phones.
"We always bring candy and snacks with us to eat when my blood sugar gets low and I have an insulin pump as well," he said.
Niklas and Martin found out about the MJT tournaments while at Settler's Ghost Golf Club during a MJT competition (for ages 13 to 18). They inquired and found out about the Mini Tour (ages eight to 12).
Niklas's win last summer qualified him for the MJT National Mini Tour in Tsawwassen, BC. Niklas travelled with his father and Kelly, his mother to the tournament at the end of August. It was Niklas' first time on a jet.
"There was 100 kids. It was really fun meeting new people and playing new courses. It was a good feeling to be out there and have some fun," said Niklas, who placed 11th.
Since then, he's been dreaming about making the nationals again, said Martin.
On March 8, Niklas and Martin golfed at Silver Brooke Golf Club near Alliston, preparing for the MJT Mini Tour season opener event May 5.
Because he won the event, Niklas is qualified for this year's MJT Nationals which will again be held in Tsawwassen on Aug. 30, 31.
"We're going to out to B.C. I'm looking forward to that," said the Grade 5 student at St. Mary's Catholic School.
Last summer, Niklas also competed to qualify for the American 2023 Drive, Chip and Putt Championships held in Augusta, GA. Competitors get three drives, three chips and three putts in the competition.
Niklas won the first qualifier, moving him on to the second round. There, he placed sixth and was eliminated.
"It was a lot of fun," said Niklas.
The father and son are trying again this year with an upcoming tournament near Buffalo NY.
"We drive all the way there for nine shots," said Martin.
Niklas and Martin love golfing together and try not to take the competitions too seriously.
"Just to have fun. Just do what you do," said Martin.
Niklas said, "I'm just humble. You can't predict what will happen with golf."
Martin says Niklas loves golf, he doesn't have to push him.
"That's how you punish him – by not playing," Martin joked.
