Little Daniels already a big star

She looks just like any other 10-year-old growing up in South Africa, but rather than enjoying dolls, pets or toys, Jamie Lee Daniels has a passion for golf.

She does however have on thing in common with most other girls at Riebeeck College Girls High School in Uitenhage - a love for Hannah Montana.

But for the most part, golf dominates the life of Daniels and her family.

Dad Manie is a handy single-figure handicapper, and sister Kim, 14, was one of the South African Golf Development Board's brightest stars before she was accepted into the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation for their 2009 intake. Jamie Lee is not far behind.

Jamie Lee has already won a number of competitions, and surprisingly this 20-handicapper has won against players not nearly close to her age group.

A quick look at this season and you know this young lady is a star in the making. She won the Western Province Under-23 C Division, finished second at the Southern Cape Championships and Eastern Cape Championships and won the C Division at the Eastern Province and Border Championships, posting the best nett score.

She proved a handy pick for the Eastern Province Under-18 Squad at the Hexangular where she won five of her six matchplay matches in the Senior Ladies Division.

"From an early age she showed exceptional coordination," said Manie Daniels. "She used to follow me around the golf course as a toddler and at the age of four, she took up the game. She's quite a feisty character, but she's also got immense concentration, and she's unbelievably competitive."

Jamie Lee trains at the Uitenhage Golf Club, which is just a seven-iron away from her home. She receives her coaching from dad Manie and the SAGDB's head coach in EP, Mzuyanda Zingela.

John Bailey, the SAGDB's development manager for Eastern Province, thinks Daniels has the game to go all the way.

"For her age she is probably one of the best young lady golfers in the country," said Bailey. "We are confident of that when we measure her success when playing other tournaments. She plays on the main course and regularly makes fives and fours and the odd three. She can probably beat 70% of the adults playing here at the weekend."

Chip Shots with Jamie Lee Daniels

Q: What is your lowest round yet?
A: I shot an 86 at Uitenhage Golf Club in local club competition in June.

Q: What is the reason for your success?
A: I'm very committed to golf, because I want to make it my career. I met Lorena Ochoa before she turned pro. I was watching her play and her caddie told me one day she would be one of the best. Now she is the world's number one golfer and I believe I can achieve the same success.
My parents are very supportive of my dream. My dad coaches me and my mom, even though she doesn't play, gives me and my sister a lot of support. And the SAGDB gives me many opportunities to compete and continue to improve.

Q: What is the best career advice you've received?
A: My grade two teacher, Miss Little, always told us practice makes perfect. I applied that to my golf and started seeing the results. Now that is my motto.

Q: How do you balance golf with your other obligations?
A: On Mondays I always play nine holes, then after school at 16h00 for the rest of the week I concentrate on the problems I'm having, like chipping, short irons, driving. Straight after school I first finish my homework. I also enjoy playing hockey, but we only played one term this year. I definitely want to play again next year.

Q: What is your biggest wish for 2010?
A: That I could succeed in all my competitions. I would love to get to an 18 handicap or below by next year February.

Q: And your dreams for the future?
A: I want to become a professional golfer - it's the only thing I dream of. I hope I can pass all my grades and finish matric. I would like to turn pro once I finish my schooling, maybe get a scholarship in the USA.