By Nicholas Creely
It’s not surprising that 12-year-old Ayden Johnston idolises Australian golfing legend Jason Day.
In fact, the two have quite a few similarities – they both started playing golf at the same age, and they are both driven athletes determined to get to the top of the golfing world.
And for Ayden, just three weeks ago, on Sunday 13 November, his golfing star shone once again.
Not only did the Rowville student head across to South Australia for the School Sport Victoria Gold 12 years and under state championships, but he was also part of a successful team that on the Craig Parry Shield for two years running.
Over Ayden’s four day championship he finished with an impressive nett total of 150.
Ayden, who lives in Mitcham with his family, began his golfing journey at around the age of six and loved the putting side of the game before getting into mainstream golf.
He said the influence of Day and his family has been a driving factor.
“I like golf because there is always a new challenge or problem that you are being faced with or put yourself into or find yourself in, and you need to find the best or easiest way out with the reward a low cost of shots if it doesn’t work,” Ayden said.
“I like Jason Day because he is Australian and he only started play golf at a young age and he is one of the best golfers in the world at the moment and I started earlier than him and if I do what he did, who knows how good I could be.
“My Dad and family supported me and would drive me to training, to the golf courses, to gym before school and after.
“In the long run, if I become a pro I will remember what they did for me and thank them and give them some of my winnings and get them each one thing they have always wanted.”
