Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship: Mimi Rhodes
As the title sponsor of the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship, I've had the privilege of witnessing some truly exceptional young talent grace the fairways. And in my very first year of sponsorship, Mimi Rhodes stood out as a shining example of exactly what this championship represents and the heights these young golfers can achieve.
Mimi won the girls' title at Quinta do Lago in 2019 with a stunning display of skill and determination. Her victory, marked by a breathtaking birdie-birdie-eagle finish, was not just a win; it was a statement, and it was clear to everyone that she had something special.
Having followed her fortunes since 2019, my wife Kate and I invited Mimi to the Rose Ladies Open last year, and it was then that she decided to become a professional, and that became her first tournament as a pro.
It fills me with immense pride to see Mimi's continued success – it's incredible that Mimi has won three consecutive Ladies European Tour events recently. She started with the Ford Women's NSW Open at the end of March, where she won by two shots in only her fourth appearance as a pro. She followed that up a week later by claiming the Joburg Ladies Open title in South Africa, winning by a shot. And then, last week, she won the Dutch Ladies Open by two shots.
Mimi Rhodes securing her third consecutive Ladies European Tour victory at the Dutch Ladies Open
Credit : Tristan Jones
All of which means she comfortably leads the Order of Merit in her rookie season as a pro – and, as someone who knows how tough your first year as a professional is, that is no mean feat. It's a testament to her hard work and dedication, but also the foundations she built during her junior years. It shows what can be achieved when we focus on young talent in this country – and I am just happy that the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship played a small part by giving Mimi a platform where her talent could flourish.
I know her time at Wake Forest University in North Carolina has played a crucial role in developing her game, and upcoming juniors may well want to look at how Mimi has gone about progressing in the early stages of her career.
But, as I am sure Mimi will agree, it is not just about winning tournaments – although that is inevitably when the attention comes. Your early years in professional golf are about the journey, the lessons learned and the friendships made. It's about taking opportunities that come your way and then inspiring the next generation of golfers.
I look forward to seeing what Mimi will achieve next, but on top of that, I can't wait to see what this year's winners of the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship go on to achieve too.
Sign up your club to host a qualifier for the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at telegraph.co.uk/junior-golf
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