Leonardtown Boys Come Out On Top At US Kids Golf Central Maryland Tour

LEONARDTOWN, Md. – Ryan Ritchie started playing golf at the age of 6, but he’s been putting and chipping since age 4. His dad, Sean says he and his son started off by playing in their backyard.

“I play left-handed and he plays right-handed. I would chip in our yard and he would stand in front of me and copy what I was doing.”

Recently, Ryan was among several kids who attended the US Kids Golf Central Maryland Tour at Breton Bay Golf & Country Club in Leonardtown.

Ryan’s dad Sean tells The BayNet that except for a few hiccups including a double bogey on number 9, his son played really well.

“Breton Bay is our home course so he felt comfortable all day and just tried to hit quality shots while having fun.”

Ryan was excited about the opportunity and was happy to have the support of his family.

“It felt good playing at my home course and playing that well in front of the family that came out to watch.”

Ryan won the 11-year-old age group with a 3 over par. It was a proud moment for the entire family.

“I’m always happy when he does well and if he happens to win that’s a bonus. I’ve coached Ryan for golf and baseball and use sports to teach life lessons. A neighbor I’ve coached with, always tells the kids ‘You may or may not play professional sports when you get older, but you need to be a good person.’ He and I use sports to drive home that philosophy and teach life lessons like accountability, being a good teammate, and discipline. Golf is no different,” Ryan’s dad tells The BayNet.

Levi Jameson shares the same story as Ryan. The 10-year-old won his age division, shooting an even par.

Levi’s dad Brady tells The BayNet that his son also started playing at a young age.

“Levi has always been around the game of golf whether just going to the range or chipping balls in his grandparent’s backyard. He did not start playing tournament golf until age 7 and once he completed his first season he was hooked.”

And not to be outdone, Levi’s little brother Tanner, who is in the 6 and under age division, took first place shooting a 10 over par.

“I think that Levi and I would say we were more excited for his younger brother for winning in the boy’s 6U division.”

As for the future, Levi and Tanner’s dad says it’s hard to say.

“As a parent I just want my boys to learn to be competitive. Our goal right now is to go out and shoot even Par every time we tee it up, regardless of order of finish. If both of my boys were able to play golf at the collegiate level and have their education paid for, that would be beyond my expectations.”

For Ryan Ritchie, he plans to continue playing at a higher level.

“I would like to play in college and maybe professionally if that’s where it takes me. I just want to have fun and see where it goes.”

Ryan’s dad says he’s happy his son loves the game because they will be able to play together for years to come.