RISING sports star Pyper Hollis is eyeing off a career on the professional golf circuit and she’s putting in the hard yards to achieve her dream.
Australian professional Stuart Appleby took time out to chat with Pyper and her parents after they watched him in a Melbourne tournament.
“He said some positive comments to me,” Pyper said humbly.
Mother Bettie Hollis said Appleby, who has earned nine PGA victories in his career so far, told her and Pyper’s dad Greg to keep encouraging Pyper to play golf.
“He said she’s a natural golfer,” Bettie said.
Pyper recently earned the Emma De Groot Scholarship which is awarded to a junior female golfer from the Central North Coast district (Woolgoolga to Bulahdelah) every year to support them financially in developing their game of golf.
The De Groot family established the scholarship to help young golfers after their daughter Emma, now a professional on the LPGA tour, put in the hours of practice and travel to reach her goals.
“The family understands the commitment required from parents to support their child develop in the sport and the scholarship is their way to give back to the Central North Coast district and the sport,” said Catherine Robinson, junior co-ordinator of the Women’s Golf Central North Coast after Pyper was named the latest scholarship recipient at the Wingham Junior Girl Golf Camp.
On average, Pyper commits 20 hours a week to golf – practicing, coaching and playing – while balancing the usual school work as a 14-year-old St Clare’s High School, Taree, student.
Bettie said Pyper is keeping up her grades in school and her golf handicap is 12.
Pyper’s home club is the Kew Country Club and she receives coaching off local pro Luke Garel.
Pyper’s Tournaments results for the year to date have been :
- Girls 15 years and under - Nett Winner at Wagga Wagga [76/73]
- Girls 14/15 years Nett runner up at Bathurst [73/71]
- Girls 14/15 Nett runner up at Ballina [68/77]
- NSW All Schools Championships - Rounds of 88/85 for a Total of 173 (Placed 20th in Gross & 4th in Net)
- Has been selected in the NSW Catholic Schools Team to compete in the upcoming All Schools Team Championships in Tamworth
Next month she will compete in the Central North Coast District Women’s Golf Championships, then the Division 1 Club Championship at Harrington Waters before travelling to the Hunter for the Srixion International Championship.
The Hunter Sports Academy has also selected Pyper in their golf program which will mean further training and lessons in nutrition and exercise. Pyper will be in Newcastle every fortnight from October to take part in the academy’s program.
Kate Dwyer
Journo. Wife. Mother of three.
Journo. Wife. Mother of three.
