In a heartwarming tale of sporting prowess and family support, an 11-year-old golfer from the Illawarra has not only found his calling but has officially outplayed his father. Arlo Maksovic, a primary school student from Mount Warrigal, now plays off an impressive golf handicap of seven, having recently surpassed his dad's handicap of ten.
A Swing That Started at Three
Arlo's journey with golf began almost as soon as he could walk. He first picked up a club at the tender age of three, swiping his father's equipment in the backyard. By age five, he had his own dedicated set. Inspired by watching legends like Tiger Woods, Arlo's passion was ignited during trips to the driving range with his dad, Louie.
"I saw him swing the first ball and he was hitting his driver about 40 metres," Louie Maksovic recalled of those early days. "I was really impressed." That early potential has blossomed into serious skill, with Arlo now dedicating himself to the sport with a clear professional goal in mind.
No Hard Feelings, Just Pride
The moment Arlo's handicap dipped below his father's was a milestone celebrated with smiles, not rivalry. "He's got me, and has for about a year now," Louie admitted proudly. "I was really stoked and happy for him. His coach told me, 'that's it, enjoy the ride because you'll never catch him again'."
Arlo's weekly routine is demanding for anyone, let alone a year six student. He is at the golf club an average of 12 times a week, balancing school with coaching, driving range sessions, and competitions. His calendar is packed with events across the country, from Canberra and the Hunter Valley to Albury and Sydney, as part of the Jack Newton Junior Golf circuit.
Looking Towards a Professional Future
Despite being told he is currently too young for the Illawarra Academy of Sport, the setback hasn't dimmed Arlo's ambition. Discussions about his future already include top-tier colleges like Stanford, renowned for its elite golf program. The PGA's Membership Pathway Program (MPP) is also a viable route, though he must wait until he turns 18 to be eligible.
"I'm hoping to be a pro golfer by the time I'm at least in my twenties," Arlo stated confidently. His regular Sunday games at The Links Shell Cove often see him competing against adults three times his age, a challenge he relishes for the learning experience. "I play against older people because there aren't many juniors that play around here," he explained. "They give me heaps of tips."
A Wish for More Young Golfers
While his own future looks bright, Arlo has one clear wish for the sport in his local region. He hopes to see more children his age taking up golf. "I wish a lot more people my age would play golf, because in the Illawarra, there's not many junior teams," he said. Efforts are underway to potentially start a junior team at Shell Cove, but progress has been slow.
For now, Arlo continues to focus on his game. Provided his handicap stays under eight, he will move from the under-12s to the under-15s division in the Jack Newton circuit next year. His parents watch on with immense pride, not just at his skill, but at the young man he is becoming through the sport.
His advice for other kids is straightforward and echoes his own start: "Buy your first set of clubs and start practising." With his talent, dedication, and family behind him, the fairway ahead for this Shellharbour prodigy looks remarkably clear.
